theguardian.com
Social Media Platform Delivers Global News to Young Audiences
Lucy Blakiston's "Shit You Should Care About" platform, launched in 2018, uses social media to present global news and issues to young audiences, gaining nearly four million followers and leveraging celebrity engagement to increase reach and accessibility.
- How does Blakiston's platform address the declining trust in mainstream media and engagement with news among young people?
- Blakiston's approach leverages the popularity of social media among young people, who show declining engagement with traditional news sources. By using platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and incorporating elements like celebrity news and pop culture alongside serious global issues, Shit You Should Care About has effectively bridged the gap between entertainment and information.
- What is the primary factor driving the success of Shit You Should Care About, and what are its immediate implications for news consumption?
- Lucy Blakiston, a 27-year-old New Zealander, founded the online media platform "Shit You Should Care About" in 2018, which has amassed nearly four million followers across social media platforms. The platform's success is largely attributed to its ability to present complex global issues in an accessible and engaging manner for young audiences, using social media channels like Instagram, X, and TikTok.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this model for the news ecosystem, and what challenges might it pose for traditional news outlets?
- Shit You Should Care About's model demonstrates a potential shift in how news is consumed and disseminated. The platform's success suggests that engaging content, combined with a strong social media presence, can effectively reach younger audiences, potentially influencing how future news organizations will need to adapt to remain relevant. The platform's unique blend of serious news with pop culture elements represents a novel approach to information dissemination.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed as a celebratory profile of Lucy Blakiston and her successful media platform. The headline (if any) would likely emphasize her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach. The positive tone and focus on her unique strategies and personal journey strongly shape the reader's perception. While challenges are mentioned, they are presented as hurdles overcome, reinforcing the overall positive narrative and potentially overlooking critical aspects.
Language Bias
The article uses largely positive and admiring language to describe Blakiston and her platform. Words like "thriving," "genius," and "powerful" are used frequently. While not overtly biased, the overwhelmingly positive tone subtly influences the reader's perception. Neutral alternatives could include replacing "thriving" with "successful," "genius" with "innovative," and "powerful" with "influential." The use of Blakiston's own self-deprecating and playful language, including her swearing, adds to the informal tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Blakiston's personality and approach, potentially omitting critical analysis of the broader impact of her platform on the news ecosystem. While it mentions the tension between aggregation platforms and legacy news, a deeper exploration of this tension and its consequences would enrich the piece. The article also doesn't delve into potential criticisms of her approach, such as the potential for oversimplification or the spread of misinformation, even though it mentions the latter in passing. The lack of critical perspectives could unintentionally mislead readers into a wholly positive view of her platform.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy in the explicit sense. However, by heavily focusing on Blakiston's success story and portraying her platform positively, it implicitly sets up a dichotomy between traditional news media and this new, more engaging form of news consumption. The piece doesn't fully explore the nuanced relationship between the two and thus implies a simple 'better than' narrative.
Gender Bias
The article highlights Blakiston's use of femininity to initially subvert expectations. While this is presented as a strength, the piece could benefit from a broader discussion of gender dynamics in media and the challenges women face in the industry. The focus on her clothing choices and personal life might perpetuate gendered tropes, especially if similar details aren't highlighted for male entrepreneurs in similar articles.
Sustainable Development Goals
Blakiston's platform, "Shit You Should Care About", improves news accessibility for young audiences, addressing declining news engagement among young people. Her approach counters misinformation and promotes informed citizenry, aligning with quality education goals. The platform's success in reaching a large audience demonstrates effective communication strategies that could be applied to educational contexts.