The media literacy point of discussion I found the most interest in was the art of persuasion. My annotated list will be the best articles and websites I could find that aid in the art of persuasion whether that be understanding it to use it or fight it.
______________________________
“Digital Media Literacy: The Blur between Facts and Opinions in the Media.” GCFGlobal.org, https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/digital-media-literacy/the-blur-between-facts-and-opinions-in-the-media/1/.
This site is at the top of my list because I find it to be a perfect step in understanding the art of persuasion in today’s media world. GCFGlobal explain that although opinions aren’t inherently bad (they actually contribute a lot to articles and media), misinterpretations of facts and opinions lead to a lot of confusion and misinformation. This article not only helps you spot the difference between fact and opinion, but it also explains confirmation bias, algorithms, satire, influencers and so much more.
Hogan, Kevin. “The Psychology of Persuasion.” Google Books, Google, https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=FAHzLM-pY7cC&oi=fnd&pg=PA9&dq=persuasion%2Btechniques%2Bpsychology&ots=j2t2Qb8Nb7&sig=H_WxiNWTroTpHJrzzIiRaXIq3hs#v=onepage&q=persuasion%20techniques%20psychology&f=false.
Truth be told, this citation ought to be at the bottom of the list, but I like my information organized alphabetically. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be at the bottom because it is harmful, but rather because it is the final step in understanding the art of persuasion, just as it says in the title. I have not read this entire book, but I did a lot of research and skimming and can say that this is the first step in mastering persuasion, not understanding it. The book goes over power of influence, outcome based thinking, communication styles, rapport and so much more. Hogan explains bit by bit how to use persuasive techniques to your advantage whether it be for business, personal use, or whatever else. It is an excellent read, and should be distributed more to help inform everyone of these techniques that are used in our everyday lives through speeches, advertising, and media.
“Logical Fallacies.” Fallacies – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/logic_in_argumentative_writing/fallacies.html.
Although this citation is at the bottom of the list, I find it to be the single most important link I have available here. The reason for this is because many persuasive techniques you will read about and recognize are rooted in logical fallacies. At the end of the day, if you are trying to persuade someone of something, what your argument is, does not have to be right. I can persuade people all day that I was born in Ireland, but the fact of the matter is that I was born in Michigan. Fallacies are common errors made in reasoning, and although these errors undermine your argument, it doesn’t make you any less convincing. Actually, it can lead to people believing in you more if used properly. I think everyone should be aware of logical fallacies, and I especially think it is the first step in understanding media literacy.
