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Media and communication are central themes in the BAC Terminale English programme. Traditional media : print (newspapers, magazines), broadcast (radio, TV). Decline of print journalism, rise of 24-hour news cycle, infotainment. Digital media : websites, social networks (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube). Citizen journalism : ordinary people report news via social media — advantages and dangers. Misinformation and disinformation : Misinformation = false information spread without intent to deceive. Disinformation = deliberately false information designed to mislead. Fake news, deepfakes, filter bubbles (algorithms show only content you agree with), echo chambers (social media groups reinforcing existing beliefs). Media literacy : the ability to critically evaluate media content. Freedom of the press : essential in a democracy — the 'Fourth Estate'. Press censorship and propaganda in authoritarian regimes. Key vocabulary : algorithm, filter bubble, clickbait, viral content, propaganda, media bias, fact-checking, source credibility.
Exercise 1 : Answer in developed paragraphs.
1. What is a filter bubble and why is it dangerous for democracy?
2. How can you verify whether a news source is credible?
3. Is citizen journalism a positive development? Give a balanced answer.
Exercise 2 : Analyse this headline for bias:
'Reckless protesters block traffic in capital city'
How would a neutral headline read? What word choices reveal the bias?
What is a filter bubble and how does it affect society?
Correction
A filter bubble is created when algorithms on social media and search engines show users only content that matches their existing interests and beliefs. This means people are increasingly exposed only to viewpoints they already agree with, reinforcing biases, deepening polarisation, and making it harder to engage with opposing views. Over time, filter bubbles can undermine democratic discourse and informed citizenship.
What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?
Correction
Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is spread, often unintentionally — someone shares something they believe to be true. Disinformation is deliberately false information created and spread with the intent to deceive and manipulate public opinion. Example: a person sharing an unverified health claim = misinformation. A government creating fake news to discredit political opponents = disinformation.
How can media literacy protect citizens in the digital age?
Correction
Media literacy — the ability to access, analyse, evaluate, and create media — helps citizens: (1) identify credible vs unreliable sources; (2) recognise bias and propaganda techniques; (3) verify information before sharing (fact-checking tools: Snopes, AFP Fact Check); (4) understand how algorithms shape what they see; (5) resist manipulation by political or commercial interests. It is a fundamental skill for democratic participation in the 21st century.