Media Studies – A Level content – Changing media environments | e-Consult
A Level content – Changing media environments (1 questions)
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Algorithmic curation has transformed news consumption by personalising feeds, prioritising engagement metrics, and often creating echo chambers. Compared with traditional editorial selection, the differences are evident in several dimensions:
| Dimension | Traditional Editorial Selection | Algorithmic Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Decision‑making | Human editors apply journalistic values and news values. | Automated systems rank content based on user data, click‑through rates, and dwell time. |
| Transparency | Clear editorial guidelines are often publicly stated. | Proprietary algorithms are opaque, making it hard for users to understand why stories appear. |
| Diversity of viewpoints | Editors aim for balanced coverage across topics and perspectives. | Personalisation can reinforce existing beliefs, reducing exposure to differing opinions. |
| Speed of delivery | Content is curated and scheduled by editorial teams. | Algorithms can push breaking stories instantly to users based on real‑time data. |
Overall, while algorithmic curation increases immediacy and personal relevance, it raises concerns about bias, transparency, and the narrowing of public discourse.