Memes are everywhere, and they're more than just funny pictures on the internet. They're units of culture that spread from person to person, evolving and changing as they go. Learning about memes can help you understand how information competes for our attention and why some ideas become more popular than others. It's not just about being part of a community or expressing yourself - it's about understanding the power of information and how it shapes our world. By exploring memes, you can develop your critical thinking skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the role that culture plays in our lives. So next time you see a meme, don't just laugh - think about what it means and why it's so popular. You might be surprised at what you learn.

Can you distinguish between real and fake news on social media? MIT scholars found that the act of considering whether to share news items reduces people's ability to tell truths from falsehoods by 35%. Learn more about the essential tension between sharing and accuracy in the realm of social media, and the potential implications for online news consumption.

Have you ever wondered why your parents seem so concerned about your mobile phone and its "dangers"? Turns out this is nothing new! Media panic, or emotional criticism against a new medium or technology, has been around for centuries. With each new medium typically comes concern over its addictive and harmful nature. An example of this would be the development of mass printing in Britain in the 18th century, which led to many people protesting against the sudden ability for people to spread "poison continuously flowing through" society. However, history has shown that these concerns often fade over time, and new forms of media take their place. Learning about media panics can provide perspective and help us avoid panicking about the latest technology. Additionally, understanding cultural capital and the role of knowledge about culture in establishing one's position in society can help explain why some individuals may react nervously to new forms of media. By exploring these concepts, students can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which media affects society and the importance of approaching new technology with caution but also with an open mind.

Is social media a tool for social cohesion or social division? Learn from Annenberg School for Communication Associate Professors Sandra González-Bailón and Yphtach Lelkes as they take stock of the existing studies and reveal what we know to date. Discover how social media affects our networks, public discourse, and political contexts, and how toxic language and hostility dominate social platforms. Explore the positive and negative effects of social media on social cohesion and polarization, and how policy changes can improve the situation.

Are you someone who loves to write, is passionate about current events and has a desire to uncover the truth? If yes, then a career in journalism may be the perfect fit for you! Journalism is a dynamic and exciting field that involves investigating, reporting, and writing about events, issues, and stories that matter to people. Journalists play a crucial role in society by providing the public with accurate and reliable information. They are responsible for reporting on a wide range of topics, from politics and business to sports and entertainment. They are the eyes and ears of the public, and their work often has a significant impact on people's lives. As a journalist, you can work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online media. You can specialize in a particular area, such as investigative journalism, sports journalism, or environmental journalism. You can also work as a freelance journalist, writing for various publications and outlets. To become a journalist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Many universities offer journalism programs that provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field. Some popular undergraduate programs and majors include journalism, mass communication, and media studies. In addition to formal education, there are certain personal attributes that can help you succeed as a journalist. These include strong writing and communication skills, curiosity, persistence, and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Job prospects for journalists vary depending on the type of media outlet and the location. However, with the rise of digital media, there are more opportunities than ever before for journalists to work in online media. Some notable employers in the field include The New York Times, CNN, BBC, and Reuters. In conclusion, a career in journalism can be both exciting and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to make a difference in the world by informing the public and holding those in power accountable. So, if you have a passion for writing and a desire to uncover the truth, consider pursuing a career in journalism!

Language is complex, and when abstract or nuanced concepts get lost in translation, the consequences may be catastrophic. This is where conference interpreters come in. They work tirelessly to ensure that every idea gets across as intended, even in the face of chaos. Interpreters are skilled at keeping their emotions in check, building glossaries in advance, and reviewing previous talks on the topic. They work in pairs and switch roles every 30 minutes to maintain intense concentration. Interpreting requires years of training, expanding vocabulary, and mastering the skills necessary to become a conference interpreter. Practicing in this way creates new neural pathways in the interpreter's brain, and the constant effort of reformulation gradually becomes second nature. The benefits of learning about interpretation are both intellectual and practical, as it enables students to understand the complexities of language and cultural exchange and develop skills that are highly valued in the global market.

Advertising is designed to attach emotions to brands, and meta-communication (the twiddly bits like music, characters, and setting) is used to do this. We are programmed not to be able to unprocess meta-communication, which means that once we see it, we've got it. To counter-argue the emotion in advertising, we need to watch ads carefully and ask ourselves what they're trying to influence and what's behind the ad. By doing this, we can emotionally counter-argue the ad and feel more in control of our lives. Learning about advertising can help us become more aware of how it affects us and how we can resist its influence. Understanding meta-communication and emotional appeals can also help us in other areas of our lives, such as when making decisions or analyzing information.

Fahrenheit 451 is a novel that imagines a world where books are banned, and possessing them is forbidden. The protagonist, Montag, is responsible for destroying what remains. However, as he burns books day after day, Montag's mind occasionally wanders to the contraband that lies hidden in his home. Gradually, he begins to question the basis of his work. Fahrenheit 451 depicts a world governed by surveillance, robotics, and virtual reality. Dystopian fiction amplifies troubling features of the world around us and imagines the consequences of taking them to an extreme. In many dystopian stories, the government imposes constrictions onto unwilling subjects. But in Fahrenheit 451, Montag learns that it was the apathy of the masses that gave rise to the current regime. Fahrenheit 451 is a portrait of independent thought on the brink of extinction - and a parable about a society that is complicit in its own combustion. Learning about dystopian fiction can help students understand the importance of independent thought, creativity, and individuality in a world that values conformity.

Are you constantly scrolling through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook? Do you find yourself captivated by the power of social media to influence our daily lives? If so, the study of Social Media might be the perfect field for you to explore at university undergraduate level. Social Media is a rapidly-growing field of study that explores the impact of social media on society, politics, economics, and culture. It's a fascinating field that incorporates a wide range of interesting and meaningful aspects of the topic, from the psychology behind social media addiction to the ethics of online privacy. In recent years, there has been an explosion of research and innovation in the field of Social Media, with academics exploring everything from the role of social media in political campaigns to the impact of social media on mental health. Some of the most inspiring academic discourse in this field has come from figures such as danah boyd, who has done groundbreaking research on the intersection of social media and youth culture, and Sherry Turkle, who has explored the impact of technology on our relationships. At the undergraduate level, students typically take courses in areas such as Social Media Marketing, Digital Storytelling, and Online Communities. There are also opportunities for further specialization in areas such as Social Media Analytics and Social Media Management. Some interesting and enticing examples of real-life specializations include working as a Social Media Manager for a major fashion brand, or becoming a Social Media Analyst for a political campaign. The study of Social Media can lead to a wide range of potential future jobs and roles, including Social Media Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist, and Online Community Manager. Key industries for prospective future employment include advertising, public relations, and journalism. Notable potential employers from the public and private sectors around the world include companies such as Google, Facebook, and the United Nations. To succeed in the field of Social Media, it's helpful to have strong communication skills, an interest in technology and marketing, and a passion for understanding how social media shapes our world. If you're interested in exploring this exciting field further, consider studying Social Media at university undergraduate level.

Are you a natural communicator? Do you have a passion for storytelling and the power of the media? If so, studying Media and Communications might be the perfect fit for you! The field of Media and Communications is all about understanding how we communicate with each other, both through traditional media like television and newspapers, and through new digital platforms like social media. It's a fascinating area of study that encompasses everything from advertising and public relations to journalism and film-making. One of the most appealing aspects of studying Media and Communications is the opportunity to work on real-world projects that have a real impact. For example, you might work on a campaign to promote a social cause, or create a documentary that sheds light on an important issue. The possibilities are endless! The field of Media and Communications is constantly evolving, with new innovations and research emerging all the time. Some of the most exciting recent developments include the rise of virtual reality and the use of big data to inform advertising and marketing strategies. There are also many well-known academic figures who have made significant contributions to the field, such as Marshall McLuhan and Noam Chomsky. At the undergraduate level, typical majors and modules in Media and Communications might include courses on media theory, journalism, digital media, and film studies. From there, students can specialize in a range of areas, such as public relations, advertising, or television production. For example, you might take courses in social media marketing or video production to develop your skills in a particular area. The job prospects for Media and Communications graduates are diverse and exciting. Potential careers include roles in journalism, advertising, public relations, film-making, and more. Some of the key industries for prospective employment include media and entertainment, advertising and marketing, and public relations. Notable employers in this field include the BBC, CNN, Google, and Netflix, to name just a few. To succeed in Media and Communications, you'll need to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. You should also be creative, curious, and willing to take risks. A background in English, journalism, or creative writing can be helpful, but it's not essential. Ultimately, if you have a passion for storytelling and a desire to make a difference through the media, then Media and Communications might be the perfect field of study for you!

If you're someone who loves languages, communication and the power of words, then a career in Linguistics might be perfect for you! Linguistics is the scientific study of language, including its structure, meaning, and use in society. It's a fascinating field that explores the complexity of human communication, and the ways in which language shapes our world. As a linguist, you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of exciting projects, from studying the grammar of endangered languages to analyzing social media data to understand how people use language online. You might work with speech recognition technology, help develop language teaching materials, or even work with law enforcement to analyze language in criminal investigations. One of the most appealing aspects of a career in Linguistics is the vast array of specializations available. You could focus on phonetics and phonology, studying the sounds of language and how they're used in different contexts. Or you might choose to specialize in syntax and semantics, exploring the structure and meaning of sentences. Other areas of specialization include sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and computational linguistics. To become a linguist, you'll typically need at least a bachelor's degree in Linguistics, though many linguists also have degrees in related fields such as psychology, anthropology, or computer science. Popular undergraduate programs and majors include Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and Cognitive Science. Helpful personal attributes for a career in Linguistics include excellent communication skills, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a passion for language and culture. You'll also need to be comfortable working independently as well as collaborating with others. Job prospects for linguists are strong, with opportunities available in both the public and private sectors. Many linguists work in academia, conducting research and teaching at universities around the world. Others work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. Notable employers in the field of Linguistics include Google, Amazon, the United Nations, and the FBI. So if you're interested in exploring the fascinating world of language and communication, consider a career in Linguistics. It's a field that offers endless opportunities for discovery and growth, and the chance to make a real difference in the world.

Are you a bookworm with a passion for organization and research? Do you love the idea of helping people find the information they need? Then Library Science might be the perfect field of study for you! At its core, Library Science is all about the management and organization of information. From books and journals to digital archives and databases, Library Science teaches you how to find, access, and preserve information for future generations. But Library Science is so much more than just shelving books! It's a field that's constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations that are changing the way we think about information management. From digitization and metadata to user experience design and data analytics, Library Science is at the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in the information age. At the undergraduate level, you'll typically take courses in subjects like cataloging and classification, reference and information services, and collection development. But there are also plenty of opportunities to specialize in areas like archives and preservation, digital librarianship, and information architecture. So what can you do with a degree in Library Science? The possibilities are endless! You could work as a librarian in a public or academic library, or as an information specialist in a government agency or non-profit organization. You could also work in the private sector, helping companies manage their data and information resources. Some notable employers in the field include the Library of Congress, the British Library, and the Smithsonian Institution. But there are also plenty of smaller, community-based organizations that need skilled information professionals. To succeed in Library Science, you'll need to be organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping people find the information they need. You should also have strong research and communication skills, as well as a love of learning and a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field. So if you're ready to dive into the exciting world of information management, consider studying Library Science at the undergraduate level. Your future as a skilled and in-demand information professional awaits!

Have you ever seen a "No Running" sign at a pool? It accurately describes the pace of the patrons, but is it doing something more powerful? This is where the distinction between constatives and performatives comes in. Constatives describe something as true or false, while performatives denote an action. Performatives are meant to inspire actions, and sometimes words themselves are actions. These are known as speech acts. However, performatives depend on context and reception, known as felicity conditions. While performatives should have proper authority, be understood, clear, and able to be executed, they may not always be followed. Understanding these concepts can help you navigate the power of words and actions in different contexts, from the park to the pool to a wedding. By learning about constatives and performatives, you can become more aware of the power of words and how to use them effectively to inspire action and respect their impact.

Are you a natural communicator who loves building relationships and creating compelling messages that resonate with people? Then a career in Public Relations (PR) might be perfect for you. PR professionals work to create and maintain a positive image for their clients, whether they are individuals, organizations, or companies. As a PR professional, you will be responsible for crafting and implementing PR strategies that help your clients achieve their goals. This could include media relations, crisis management, event planning, social media management, and more. One of the most interesting aspects of the job is the variety of clients and industries you can work with, from non-profits to tech startups to global brands. Some examples of inspiring PR campaigns include the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised over $115 million for research, or the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, which challenged beauty industry standards and received international recognition. In terms of daily duties, PR professionals might be responsible for developing press releases, pitching stories to media outlets, responding to media inquiries, coordinating events, managing social media channels, and monitoring and analyzing media coverage. There are also many areas of specializations within the field of PR, such as healthcare PR, fashion PR, sports PR, and corporate communications. Other related fields include marketing, advertising, and journalism. To become a PR professional, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as PR, communications, journalism, or marketing. Some popular undergraduate programs and majors include Public Relations, Strategic Communications, and Media Studies. In addition to education, there are certain personal attributes that can make you successful in the field of PR. These include excellent communication skills, creativity, strong writing skills, the ability to work under pressure, and excellent interpersonal skills. The job prospects for PR professionals are strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% growth rate in employment from 2019 to 2029. Some of the top employers in the field include public relations agencies such as Edelman, Weber Shandwick, and FleishmanHillard, as well as major corporations such as Google, Amazon, and Nike.

Do you love creating and sharing content with the world? Do you have a passion for entertaining and educating others? If so, a career as a YouTuber might be the perfect fit for you! As a YouTuber, you have the opportunity to create and share your own videos on a platform with over 2 billion active users. You can create content on any topic that interests you, from beauty and fashion to gaming and technology. You can even use your platform to share your own personal experiences and inspire others. One of the most appealing aspects of being a YouTuber is the ability to work from anywhere in the world. You can create content from the comfort of your own home or travel to exotic locations to share your experiences with your audience. Some of the most successful YouTubers have even turned their channels into full-time careers, earning millions of dollars a year through advertising, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. As a YouTuber, your typical duties include creating and editing videos, interacting with your audience through comments and social media, and collaborating with other content creators. You can also choose to specialize in a particular area of content creation, such as beauty, gaming, or lifestyle. Other related fields include social media management, digital marketing, and video production. While there are no specific educational requirements to become a YouTuber, having a degree in a related field can be helpful. Popular undergraduate programs and majors include communications, marketing, and film production. Helpful personal attributes include creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently. The job prospects for YouTubers are constantly growing, with more and more brands looking to partner with content creators to reach their target audience. Some notable potential employers include Google, YouTube, and major media companies like Disney and Viacom. With dedication and hard work, the possibilities for a career as a YouTuber are endless. So why not start creating and sharing your own content today?

Legal documents deciphered: A new study from MIT reveals the root cause of why legal contracts are often difficult to understand - the use of "center-embedded" sentences and excessive jargon.

Are you a creative soul with a passion for storytelling? Do you have a knack for creating compelling content that captivates audiences? Then a degree in Content Creation might be just the thing for you! Content Creation is a dynamic and exciting field that encompasses a wide range of media, including film, television, advertising, social media, and more. It's all about crafting engaging stories that resonate with people and leave a lasting impact. In this field, you'll learn about the art and science of storytelling, exploring the psychology of audiences and the techniques used to capture their attention. You'll also delve into the technical aspects of content creation, including writing, filming, editing, and post-production. One of the most exciting things about Content Creation is the constant innovation and experimentation taking place. From virtual reality to interactive storytelling, there's always something new and exciting to explore. You'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the most innovative minds in the industry, including academic figures like Henry Jenkins and their contributions to the field. At the undergraduate level, you'll typically take courses in areas like screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and sound design. You'll also have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas, such as documentary filmmaking or social media content creation. After graduation, there are a wide range of potential career paths open to you. You could work in film and television production, advertising, social media marketing, or even start your own content creation company. Notable employers in this field include Netflix, Disney, and Buzzfeed, among others. To succeed in this field, you'll need a combination of creativity, technical skills, and a passion for storytelling. You should also have strong communication skills and be able to work well in a team environment. So if you're ready to unleash your creativity and embark on an exciting career path, consider studying Content Creation at the undergraduate level. Who knows where your imagination will take you?

K-dramas are taking India by storm, with viewership surging during the pandemic. But what draws Indian audiences to these Korean shows, and how do they compare to Bollywood? Both industries share a love for melodramatic romances, but also depict familial and social hierarchies. However, they also make similar mistakes in their portrayal of romantic love. Discover the similarities and differences between these two entertainment giants, and why K-dramas are resonating with Indian women in particular.

Have you ever been fascinated by different cultures and languages? Do you have a knack for picking up new languages and finding the right words to express yourself? If so, a career in Translation and Interpretation may be the perfect fit for you! Translation and Interpretation is a field that involves converting written or spoken language from one language to another. This field is becoming increasingly important in today's globalized world, where communication is key in all industries. Translators and interpreters are essential in bridging the gap between different languages and cultures, and they play a vital role in facilitating communication between people from different backgrounds. As a translator or interpreter, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from government agencies and international organizations to private businesses and non-profit organizations. You may specialize in a particular field, such as legal, medical, or technical translation, or work in a more general capacity. You may also work as a freelancer or be employed by a company. Typical duties of a translator or interpreter include translating written documents, interpreting spoken language, proofreading and editing translations, and managing translation projects. You may also work with clients to ensure that their needs are met and that their message is accurately conveyed in the target language. To become a translator or interpreter, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as linguistics, translation studies, or a foreign language. Many universities offer undergraduate programs and majors in these areas, as well as graduate programs for those who wish to pursue advanced studies. Helpful personal attributes for a career in Translation and Interpretation include fluency in multiple languages, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity. You should also be able to work well under pressure and be comfortable working with tight deadlines. Job prospects for translators and interpreters are strong, with a projected growth rate of 20% over the next decade. In addition, there are many attractive potential employers from public and private sectors around the world, including the United Nations, the European Union, and major corporations such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. In conclusion, a career in Translation and Interpretation offers an exciting opportunity to work with different languages and cultures, while playing a vital role in facilitating communication between people from different backgrounds. With strong job prospects and a range of potential employers, this field is an excellent choice for anyone with a passion for languages and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Are you a fan of cute animal posts on social media? Have you ever wondered why they make you go "awwww"? A team of researchers at the University of Maryland has been studying the impact of cuteness on our emotions and behaviors, and how it can be used to manipulate us. Their findings, published in Frontiers in Psychology, offer fascinating insights into the science of cuteness, including a recipe for achieving ultimate cuteness. Read on to discover the implications of this research for society, disinformation and national security. (Source: University of Maryland)