Assignment 3
1. Can social media help to save the environment? | World Economic Forum
(Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-dosemagen-/social-media-and-saving-t_b_9100362.html?utm_hp_ref=davos )
This article provides a broad overview of the impact of social media platforms on the socio-economic policies and concerns related to environmental degradation. The writer has presented 5 key aspects wherein social media has assisted in raising issues pertaining to ecological conservation. This includes (a) large-scale reach of campaigns and initiatives led by popular organisations in this regard, (b) enabling individuals and smaller groups to voice their opinions and concerns through social media, (c) application of sustained pressure by organisations to counter conflicting governmental policies by utilising diverse tools, (d) promoting the usage and production of eco-friendly devices, (e) connecting like-minded individuals across the globe through hashtags and allowing them to mobilise support for their agendas. The columnist has also thrown light on the possible challenges to the effectiveness of the above mentioned pointers, as tackling these would be vital for the social networking communities to thrive and function in a constructive manner.
2. In the digital age, being gender-blind is not an option
(Source: https://blogs.worldbank.org/digital-development/digital-age-being-gender-blind-not-option )
In this blog article, the author has not only pointed out the “gender digital divide” in several parts of the world through statistical data, but has also emphasised on the need of bridging the gap to facilitate greater financial independence of women. A comparative study of the digital divide in places like Africa, South Asia, South America and in developed nations enables the reader to associate the numerical figures to factors such as social norms, economic conditions, legal frameworks and existing policies. The article also accentuates the positive impact created as a result of the work of dedicated non-profit organisations and social upliftment campaigns in many developing nations. The author has shared a 4-point approach, which was adopted by the World Bank in one of its events aimed at encouraging women’s participation in technological fields. This includes: (1) generation of platforms promoting participation of women at local levels, (2) initiatives focused at building the required digital skill-set for women, (3) creation of women-centric content and (4) increasing the accessibility of the programmes.
3. Digital stories are shaping our views of a sustainable future
(Source: https://www.sustainability-times.com/green-consumerism/digital-stories-are-shaping-our-views-of-a-sustainable-future/ )
In order to make the general population realise the relevance of the notion of ecological sustainability, new and creative forms of its presentation in digital formats is critical. This is precisely what the writer has emphasised in the article, by highlighting novel digital innovations to promote environmental conservation as well as the importance of taking prompt actions on these ideas. The growing popularity of 3-dimensional animations, catchy illustrations ,Virtual Reality (VR) based products and other user-interactive mediums, developed by numerous individuals and associations in this regard, has been highly appreciated by the writer. These forms of digital content not only captivate the attention of users towards the issue or information being presented but also leave a lasting impression on them. The writer has also valued the blend of humanitarian aspects with technological products/services that is embedded in these initiatives.
4. Is online advertising exacerbating the gender gap? | London Business School
(Source: https://www.london.edu/think/is-online-advertising-exacerbating-the-gender-gap )
An interesting study on the presence of “disguised” gender bias in the case of online advertisements (Ads.) of STEM programmes on various digital platforms has been presented in this article. Supported by facts on mechanism of online Ads. and findings from a research conducted on a sample audience from several nations, the researchers from London Business School have provided a possible explanation as to why even gender-neutral algorithms used in Ads. fail to generate the desired results. The theory is based on the notion that the nature of decision making strategies related to purchasing, employed by men and women influences the manner in which these Ads. are being displayed to them. The effect of commercial organisations, which compete in showcasing their Ads. on platforms like Facebook, Instagram to their target users, is explored in this study. This is further utilised in reasoning as to why the marketing campaigns run by numerous universities, which although intend to reach out to more women for considering enrollment, end up not fulfilling their objective.
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