54. How Digital Media Threatens Local Arts and Languages in India

54. How Digital Media Threatens Local Arts and Languages in India In India, local cultures and languages are endangered as global digital media promotes a homogenized culture. Traditional arts like Kathakali dance see dwindling interest among the youth, including 18-year-old Arjun from Kerala, who prefers Western pop culture.  Individual outcomes Arjun loses connection with his…

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53. How an influencer push to promote a diet puts people at risk

53. How an influencer push to promote a diet puts people at risk In Australia, public trust in scientific authorities diminishes due to the spread of misinformation about scientific research. A viral internet trend, started by influencer Kayla Jenner, promotes a diet based on unscientific principles. Dr. Liam Bennett, a respected nutritionist, struggles to counteract…

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52. How a Japanese business owner panics amidst rumour-driven bank run

52. How a Japanese business owner panics amidst rumour-driven bank run In Japan, a false rumour about a major bank’s insolvency spreads rapidly online, leading to a bank run. Misinformation propagated by anonymous sources on platforms like TradeChat and MoneyBuzz creates panic among investors, including small business owner Hiroshi Takahashi. Individual outcomes Hiroshi faces financial…

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49: How Different Media Sources Strain Relationships in a Canadian Family

49: How Different Media Sources Strain Relationships in a Canadian Family In a Canadian family, political arguments fueled by misinformation from different media sources lead to strained relationships. The daughter, a university student, and her father, a retired mechanic, find themselves unable to communicate due to polarised views. Individual outcomes The family experiences emotional distress…

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47. How a Tech Entrepreneur’s Diet Claims Impact Public Health in California

47: How a Tech Entrepreneur’s Diet Claims Impact Public Health in California In California, a well-known tech entrepreneur, Alex, publicly endorses a pseudoscientific diet that claims to boost cognitive abilities. His endorsement leads to widespread popularity of the diet, despite a lack of scientific evidence. Individual outcomes Alex’s reputation suffers as he becomes an object…

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45. How a Single News Source Shapes Perceptions in a Small Town

45. How a Single News Source Shapes Perceptions in a Small Town Residents of a small town in the Midwest, USA, primarily consume news from a single local news outlet, which exhibits a strong political bias. This leads to a skewed perception of national and global events. Individual outcomes Individuals, like 55-year-old Bob, develop an…

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40. How Online Misinformation Leads to Health Anxiety and False Alarms

40. How Online Misinformation Leads to Health Anxiety and False Alarms Sarah, a 28-year-old in Toronto, spends hours online researching symptoms for a minor headache. She stumbles upon forums and websites suggesting serious illnesses, leading her to believe she has a rare neurological disorder. Individual outcomes Sarah experiences increased anxiety and depression, leading to her…

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39. How a Blog’s Misinformation Influences Public Opinion in Australia

39. How a Blog’s Misinformation Influences Public Opinion in Australia In Australia, a group of people, influenced by a popular blog that dismisses climate change, organizes a large rally against environmental regulations. The blog, run by a self-proclaimed expert, uses manipulated data to support their claims, leading followers to disregard scientific consensus. Individual outcomes Followers…

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37. How Generational Gaps in News Consumption Create Conflicts in Japanese Households

37. How Generational Gaps in News Consumption Create Conflicts in Japanese Households While digital media use is on the rise among all age groups, in a multi-generational household in Japan, conflicts arise between teenagers and their grandparents over news consumption and interpretation. The teenagers, adept at digital platforms, often encounter and share sensationalised news, while…

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36. How Misinformation on Social Media Deepens Family and Community Conflicts in the UK

36. How Misinformation on Social Media Deepens Family and Community Conflicts in the UK In the United Kingdom, the Brexit debate intensifies family and community divides, particularly in areas like London and Manchester. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook become battlegrounds where misinformation about the impacts of Brexit is rampant. Family members like the…

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