AN INDEPENDENT MEDIA LITERACY PROJECT
B
bias
noun
disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair; biases can be innate or learned.
"There was evidence certain candidates were rejected because there was bias against them."
verb
to feel or show inclination or prejudice for or against someone or something.
"Their recruitment processes are biased against younger candidates."
C
carriage fee
noun
a fee paid by a cable company to a TV production company in order to offer its channel to their cable subscribers
"In addition to advertising, ESPN makes tons of money in carriage fees, because cable companies know they won't get customers if they don't offer sports channels in their cable package."
cognitive bias
noun
Cognitive bias is a pattern of error in thinking caused by our tendency to simplify and process information through a filter of our own personal experience and preferences.
"She was bit by a cat when she was younger, and now she avoids even the nicest cats because of cognitive bias."
confirmation bias
noun
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.
"He ignores news that criticizes his favorite sports team because of his confirmation bias towards them."
M
media
noun
the main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the internet) regarded collectively.
"The story was broadcasted by the media."
N
negativity bias
noun
the tendency of people to be affected more intensely, and for a longer time, by negative information than positive information of the same importance or magnitude.
"Because of his negativity bias, his whole day is ruined when his favorite sports team loses, even if they're having a really good season otherwise."
O
outrage
noun
political speech that is intended to get emotional responses — especially anger, fear, and moral indignation — from its audience, using generalizations, deceptive or false information, and personal attacks on opponents.
"He used outrage in his speech to energize his audience."
Note: This definition was adapted from one devised by Tufts University professors Sarah Sobieraj and Jeffrey M. Berry.
S
sensationalism
noun
(especially in journalism) the use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement.
"The opinionated language in that news clip makes me think it's rife with sensationalism."
social media
noun
websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
"All her followers saw her new posts on social media."