What’s So Bad About My Little Media Filter Bubble?
In this guest post, Quiip general manager Julie Delaforce (pictured below) says we’ve all got our own little media peccadillos and, she argues, that’s a good thing…
There’s been a bit of talk of the filter bubble recently. Watch Eli Pariser’s TED talk on filter bubbles if you’ve no idea what I’m talking about.
I’ve been thinking about it a lot. The filter bubble isn’t new, it’s existed for a while. Anyone who’s studied media or communications understands the terms ‘gatekeeping’, ‘newsworthiness‘ and ‘agenda-setting’.
One 30 to 60 minute program each evening or one edition of a newspaper can’t cover the entire 24 hours worth of events globally. At the lowest level, journalists and producers choose what they’ll report on, we also know that agendas are set higher-up and are based on the bias of media owners (whether we think that’s how it should be or not!)
The news is so heavily edited to fit into that one broadcast. So we’re already in a filter bubble as set by media owners, publishers and broadcasters. We seek out information to suit our tastes, we might supplement an evening news broadcast with Time magazine, New Scientist or Harpers Bazaar.
We selectively consume the media to feed our own information desires, we discuss it with friends of similar interests and make new acquaintances with those who share our interests, perpetuating the interest agenda we wish to pursue. This is so now, but I’m thinking about it in a pre-digital, pre-internet, pre-social media way.
Jump to now when we’re hearing about this so-called ‘filter bubble’ and its dangers to society and you may now understand my reluctance to jump aboard this particular band wagon. There are those who choose to read only celebrity news and care only about what’s happening in their world. They buy particular magazines, visit particular online sites, share celebrity stories on Facebook, seek out news about their neighbourhood online, love Buzzfeed gif stories and discuss it all online with friends, family and neighbours.
So what if they exist in their own little filter bubble? There are the people that devour the 6pm news broadcast of an evening and read their metro daily every morning. They discuss world events at a surface level over their coffee break at work, they share the latest big news on Facebook. These are two different types of ignorance or ‘filter bubbles’. And I can’t see how they’re bad. These people are seeking out the news that suits them, based on a range of niche sites. These types of people have always existed – neither Google nor Facebook created them. And it’s all good. Because there are those people in the world who ARE inclined to look more deeply.
There are the types that have a passing interest in the daily news and delve deeper into current events that don’t usually get broadcast airtime. They share and discuss things big and small online to expand their consciousness, understand the world and where they fit in it and to bring about change. They use the news and information they discover to get involved in local politics or other movements to create change. Some of them use the information they seek to wield it as an online weapon, to be a keyboard activist or a troll but never really have the inspiration to do anything. IMHO that person is worse than the ones we are told are ‘ignorant’ (and trust me, I’ve come across SO MANY of them in my time as a community manager!)
Regardless, all of these people are in their filter bubble, there are all different types of people and all different types of bubble. There will always be people who are disinclined to look outside their own safe boundaries for new information or to challenge their thinking, get involved in debate or activism.
Sure, they can be narrower-minded than ever before, seeking out only a very specific range of interests. But that’s okay, because likewise, there will always be folks who are the opposite – voraciously curious information-seekers who always want to know more and will seek out new information from new sources. There will be all sorts of different people in all sorts of little bubbles that make them happy.
Whatever evolutions occur in communications and media, there’ll always be concerns and new things to navigate. I don’t see ‘filter bubbles’ as a big issue. I know a lot of folks will disagree, it’s such an interesting topic to think and learn about.
My bubble filter bubble consists of:
- kittens and cute animals
- pet rescue
- mental health awareness
- feminism
- wellbeing & self-care
- chronic illness and pain
- trashy tv shows and books
- elementary science podcasts (think Dr. Karl)
- all things digital, communications, media
There are a lot of other passing interests or things I don’t spend a whole lot of time on. My bubble is shaped by my own personal experiences and interests and I’m getting more information about those things I’m passionate about and can potentially do something about. I look beyond this bubble on a daily basis. The interwebz is such a treasure-trove of information and I love heading down that rabbit’s warren learning more about one of my topics of interest or something completely different I’ll only touch on that day. My bubble is not static, it is transient and dynamic. Three years ago it would have been quite different, and I’d expect it to change again in the next few years as the internet, and other forms of communication continue to reveal the wonders of the world to me! The internet, and the curation offered by social media can be a wonderful, wonderful thing and offers endless opportunities to seek out the ‘long tail’ on any subject(s) you choose.
Latest News
TV Ratings (18/04/2024): I’m A Celebrity Wins Prime Time And Key Demos
Aussie viewers can be a harsh lot at times. Only days after Ellie Cole bled her heart out, she has been sent packing.
Effie&co Launches New ConnectAsia Division To Help Aussie Brands Market To Asian Consumers Overseas & At Home
Not provided is advice on using chopsticks and not spilling ramen down your shirt.
Cashrewards Sets Out Stall For New CMO
Thinking of applying for the Cashrewards CMO gig? Here are some insider tips that, yes, are tantamount to cheating.
‘I Ask For The TV Industry To Stand Up And Defend Itself’ – Seven Boss James Warburton Steps Down
The Seven supremo heads for the exits after five years. Here's hoping the Spotlight team organised the farewell bash.
Poh! Jamie! Adriano! Paramount ANZ reveals its tasty plans for this year’s MasterChef
It's your fan's guide to this year's MasterChef! Although no tips on how to pronounce crudités or use a un fait-tout.
Dentsu’s iProspect Partners With MOOD Tea Ahead Of May Campaign Launch
We love a Mood Tea here at B&T. Although we do store old screws and nails in the International Roast caterer's tin.
Opinion: When Culture Starts Eating Itself: Navigating The Age Of Self-eating Nostalgia
Born boss David Coupland asks is adland going through a nostalgia period? But please, no repeats of Best Of Red Faces.
Who’s Going To Cannes?! The TikTok Young Lions Winners!
It's Aussie adland's next gen! They're off to Cannes with high hopes of bringing back a Lion & a foot-long Toblerone.
Adobe Launches Express Mobile App With Firefly AI
Want to be the coolest kid at Friday staff drinks but forgot your retro Nikes? This new Adobe wizardry may do the trick.
ThinkNewsBrands & IMAA Extend News Publishing Education In Brisbane
Industry duo takes its publishing roadshow to Brisbane. Was disappointed no male attendees were wearing walk socks.
B&T Chats With Wavemaker’s Provocative Pioneers On Their Cross-Pacific Sojourn
B&T TV heads to Wavemaker's Sydney digs to interview two staffers from its New York & LA digs. If that makes sense?
HoMie & Champion Launch “Give One. Get One” Campaign Supporting Youth Homelessness Via Town Square
Much like the fête's prized chutney wears a blue winners sash, so too should this top initiative from HoMie & Champion.
Thinkerbell Takes Us Back To Summer In Latest Work For XXXX
This beer ad wants to take you back to summer! Just minus any chance of a shark attack on your morning bus commute.
Cannes Lions Unveils 2024 Programme Featuring Queen Latifah, Jay Shetty & P&G’s Mark Pritchard
Are you one of the lucky ducks heading to Cannes in June? Check out the headliner acts you'll be queueing hours to see.
Scroll Media Recruits Costa Panagos From Twitch
Costa Panagos set to bring South American flair to the Scroll offices. Assuming that he is, indeed, South American.
Year13, Microsoft & KPMG Australia Launch AI Course For Gen Zs
Born around the 2000s? Need to amp up your AI creds? This guide's for you (although it's not really that age specific).
General Motors Snares Heath Walker From Scania
Do you rage about oversized American cars on our roads? You need to bail up Heath Walker at parties & industry events.
VML Launches New “Envoyage” Brand For Flight Centre
VML unveils new brand for travel operator Flight Centre. Alas, no sign of those paid actors pretending to be pilots.
Subaru Places Media Account Up For Review
Subaru puts media up for review, as adland journos get set for mandatory "agency drives off with..." headline.
TV Ratings (17/04/2024): Contestants Faced With Harsh Realities As Alone Australia Heats Up (Or Cools Down)
Alone still doing the business for SBS. Overly long train journeys not doing the business, but they persist anyway.
Ben Fordham Loses Number One Spot As Ray Hadley Celebrates 156th Ratings Win
The radio numbers are in! Discover who's off for a boozy lunch today & who's waiting for the dreaded HR death knock.
Gourmet Ice Cream Brand Connoisseur Launches New “Thrill Your Senses” Iteration, Via SICKDOGWOLFMAN
Rattling the old "truth in advertising" adage comes this ice-cream spot full of noticeably thin people.
Paramount’s Global Sales Boss: ‘Australia’s Converged Model Is A Blueprint For How I’d Like All Of Our Markets To Be’
Paramount's global sales boss gives local sales ops the thumbs up. Didn't weigh-in on the Lisa Wilkinson debacle.
TikTok Starts Testing Its Instagram Rival In Australia
In exciting news for piano playing cats & brattish pranks in shopping centres, TikTok unveils its Insta rival plans.
Man Wrongly Named By Seven As Bondi Killer Hires Lawyers
Struggling to save for a house deposit? Why not get wrongly identified by Sunrise!
Smartsheet Appoints Indie Agency Sandbox Media To Its Media Account
Can't stand your colleagues? Like to dob them in when they miss a deadline? These work management platforms are ideal.
Boss Not Letting You Come To Cannes In Cairns? Use This Business Case To Convince Them!
Stingy boss won't spring for a ticket to Cairns? Add this to your persuasive argument repertoire. Or grovel.
Alt/shift/ Brisbane Builds Portfolio With Ausbuild Creative, PR, Content & Social Account Win
The Brisbane comms/PR agency lands constructor Ausbuild. Also hoping for a discount on its new glass conservatory.
Young Guns Versus The Old Guard: Who Adds More Value to Our Industry?
Cannes In Cairns poking this hornet's nest in a lively debate. Just so long as the oldies can get up the stairs.
70% Of Aussies Don’t Have Green Power Plans ENGIE Says In Major Brand Campaign Via HERO
Are you the notorious "light leaver on-er" in your flatshare? Quell any infighting with this green energy news.
PrettyGood Launches Offering Brand & Media Solutions For Australasian SMEs
B&T applauds the charitable nature of this new agency. Although we'd hate to see it impact any Chrissie present sends.
A Blunt End: Dolphins Medicinal Cannabis Sponsorship At Risk
Yes, it's another NRL drug story. Yet, thankfully it doesn't involve coke in Kuta during the off-season.
Slew Of New Creative Hires At Leo Burnett Australia
Ahhh, all black! The outfit of choice for agency creatives, David Jones staff and everyone in Melbourne.
Under Armour Unveils Local “Live in UA” Campaign
American apparel brand set for yet another tilt at the Aussie market, as Nike declares "we'll see about that".
Pepsi Launches New Look, Refreshing Classic Fashion Staples Via Special PR
Are you always the bridesmaid, never the bride, as the old saying goes? How do you think Pepsi feels?
Pure Blonde Returns To A Place Purer Than Yours In New Campaign Via The Monkeys
B&T's always been a huge fan of the 'drink yourself thinner' diet plan. So big thanks to Pure blonde, vodka & tequila.