{"id":23,"date":"2026-03-28T18:22:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T18:22:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/?p=23"},"modified":"2026-03-28T18:22:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T18:22:45","slug":"24-hour-media-diary-how-misinformation-is-framed-in-everyday-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/?p=23","title":{"rendered":"24-Hour Media Diary: How Misinformation Is Framed in Everyday Media"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>                                    Blog post #1: 24-Hour Media Diary\n                        \n                              UNDERLINED WORDS ARE HYPERLINKS<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>      To complete this assignment, I tracked my media consumption over 24 hours to really see what I am actually taking in throughout the day. Honestly, I did not expect how much of it would bring such intense emotion&#8230; especially once I slowed down and paid attention! We have been talking about misinformation and how it shows up in everyday media, and I can already tell my mindset has shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What stood out to me through this assignment is that misinformation is not always about something being completely false. A lot of what we see can have some level of truth, but it is often incomplete, emotionally framed, or repeated in a way that shapes how we interpret it, or even maybe just simply to what is most comfortable to somone. That is what made me realize how easily information\u2014accurate or not\u2014blends into my daily routine without me even noticing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"302\" height=\"167\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-5.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-5.jpeg 302w, https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-5-300x166.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide is-style-wide--1\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Media Log<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>5:00 a.m:<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Wake up and immediately check my email, (I know, I know&#8230; I even wake up before my alarm (EVERY DAY), then open TikTok (like clockwork at this point). Right away I\u2019m seeing videos about Erika Kirk\u2014specifically commentary about her being a widow who is publicly grieving while also stepping into leadership of a multi-billion-dollar company and going on tour. What stood out immediately is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@pop.diaries\/video\/7589808752015019277\">how polarizing the content is.<\/a> Some creators frame her as strong and resilient, while others frame the exact same situation as inappropriate or suspicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"294\" height=\"171\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"285\" height=\"177\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/images.jpg\" alt=\"A much more muted tweet from Erika Kirk.\" class=\"wp-image-33\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That is where it started to click for me\u2014this is not just information, it is framing. Both sides are using emotional language to push a narrative, but neither is really showing full context or reliable sources. It made me pause and think, <em>am I forming an opinion based on facts, or just how it\u2019s being presented to me?<\/em> This is exactly what we have talked about in class\u2014misinformation does not always mean something is false, but that it is shaped in a way that influences how we interpret it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If I wanted to verify what I\u2019m seeing, I would need to step outside of TikTok and look at credible news sources or original reporting about her situation. I would also compare how different outlets are framing the same story, because the differences in tone alone show how easily perception can be shaped!!!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5:25\u20136:00 a.m:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go on my usual 5K run\u2014this has become part of my everyday routine!!! It has had a really strong impact on my mental health\u2014especially because even when everything else feels chaotic, this routine keeps me grounded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignwide has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6:00 a.m:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Still scrolling TikTok. Now my feed shifts into Christian-based content about the end times, including references to texts like the Book of Enoch and connections to current world events. This is content I personally connect with\u2014I was raised Christian, and I do believe in these teachings and the meaning behind them. When I hear these interpretations, they do not feel random to me\u2014they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@beliefclips\/video\/7483251402286877974\">feel grounded in something real<\/a>, especially when they align with what I already understand and believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wes Huff Explains The Book Of Enoch And It Will Blow Your Mind\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BKVjG9L8Db4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-2.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-2-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, stepping back with what I have learned in this course, I can recognize that this type of content is still being presented as fact in a very strong and emotional way, even though it is based on interpretation and belief. That does not make it false to me, but it does mean that not everyone will view it the same way or accept it as verified information. So now I find myself thinking in two ways at once\u2014<em>this is something I believe to be true<\/em>, but also <em>how is this being presented, and how might it influence someone who does not share that background?<\/em> That awareness is something I did not have before, and it helps me better separate personal belief from how information is communicated in media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Even though I personally believe in this content, I recognize that verifying it would look different than verifying news or data. It would involve understanding the historical context of the text, how different scholars or denominations interpret it, and recognizing that belief-based content is often presented as truth without the same type of evidence expected in other areas.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8:00 a.m:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Start seeing multiple \u201cFirst Amendment audit\u201d videos. These usually show someone standing in a public space, often wearing a face covering and holding recording equipment near entrances or buildings. I understand why people feel uncomfortable in that situation\u2014that reaction is real\u2014but at the same time, these videos highlight a lack of awareness about public recording laws. From what I understand, if someone is in a public space, they generally have the right to record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@knowyour.rights\/video\/7429718213614882094\">What stands out to me is how quickly people react emotionally instead of stepping back or removing themselves from the situation.<\/a> Instead of recognizing their option to disengage and maintain their own privacy, people often confront the person filming, which escalates the situation. Watching this, I find myself thinking, <em>you might feel uncomfortable, but that does not automatically mean something illegal is happening.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, applying what I have learned in this course, I can also see how these videos are presented in a very one-sided way. The person filming is usually shown as calm and knowledgeable, while others are shown reacting emotionally or appearing uninformed. That creates a clear narrative for the viewer, even though we are likely not seeing the full context of what led up to the interaction. So while the legal aspect may be real, the way the situation is framed can still influence how we interpret who is \u201cright,\u201d which is where media presentation becomes important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignleft is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What&#039;s REALLY Happening in 1st Amendment Audit Videos?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3RW79CsX2qk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>To actually verify what is happening in these situations, I would need to look at the laws themselves or credible legal sources, not just rely on edited clips. Watching full, uncut footage or reading about similar cases would give a more accurate understanding than a short, emotionally charged video.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10:00 a.m:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Now, I am seeing health-related content\u2014what to eat, what to avoid, what\u2019s considered \u201ctoxic\u201d versus \u201chealthy.\u201d This is one area where I actually do believe there is truth behind some of what is being said. Taking care of your body, eating well, and being intentional about what you consume matters. That part is not the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What stands out to me, though, is how extreme and one-sided the messaging becomes. A lot of these videos push the idea that you should only eat a certain way strictly for function or optimization, almost removing the idea of enjoyment entirely. It becomes less about balance and more about control\u2014like food is only for performance, not for experience or moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"259\" height=\"194\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-6.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Watching this, I find myself thinking, <em>yes, your body needs proper fuel\u2014but it also needs balance depending on your lifestyle, movement, and daily demands.<\/em> Not everything can be reduced to \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cbad\u201d the way these videos make it seem. That kind of framing feels misleading because it simplifies something that is actually more complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From what I\u2019ve learned in this course, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betteryoubettersociety\/video\/7571287553278479671\">this is another example of how information can be presented in a way that feels authoritative but lacks full context.<\/a> There is truth in the idea of health, but the way it is delivered\u2014without nuance, evidence, or individual variation\u2014can easily influence people to adopt extreme views&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>To fact-check this type of information, I would need to compare it with research-based sources like medical websites or nutritional guidelines, rather than relying on influencers. A lot of these claims sound convincing, but without; evidence, context, or common sense they can easily be misleading&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1:00 p.m:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Scrolling again through TikTok \/ YouTube \/ Instagram and notice the same types of content repeating\u2014commentary, emotional reactions, health advice. What really stood out here is how repetition starts to make things feel more believable. Even if I questioned something earlier, seeing it multiple times makes it feel more familiar and \u201ctrue.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This directly connects to what we have learned about how misinformation spreads\u2014not just through false claims, but through repetition and exposure. It is honestly kind of concerning to realize how subtle that effect is in real time&#8230; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I started realizing that if someone is constantly consuming the same type of content\u2014whether it is about lifestyle, health, politics, or even beliefs\u2014they can begin to build their identity around information that may not even be fully accurate. It is not just about being \u201cright\u201d or \u201cwrong\u201d in one video, but how all of that content adds up over time and influences the way a person sees the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/679FAB35-93EA-44F5-BEE5-94A00948C9B1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5000287935502448;width:471px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/679FAB35-93EA-44F5-BEE5-94A00948C9B1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/679FAB35-93EA-44F5-BEE5-94A00948C9B1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/679FAB35-93EA-44F5-BEE5-94A00948C9B1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/679FAB35-93EA-44F5-BEE5-94A00948C9B1.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That made me reflect on my own feed. It is not just random videos\u2014it\u2019s patterns. And those patterns can shape opinions, behaviors, and even how someone presents themselves. That is honestly a little concerning, because it shows how easily misinformation or incomplete information can go from something you watch to something you actually believe and live by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Verifying information here would mean not just accepting repeated claims, but actively checking whether those claims are supported by reliable sources. Just because something is seen multiple times does. not make it accurate, so it would require intentional effort to confirm what is actually true.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7:00 p.m:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       End the day back on TikTok. Same themes, same topics, just different creators; human or artificial, saying similar things. At this point, it is clear this is not random\u2014it is the algorithm feeding me content based on what I\u2019ve already engaged with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignleft is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"AI Is Dangerous, but Not for the Reasons You Think | Sasha Luccioni | TED\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eXdVDhOGqoE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"248\" height=\"203\" src=\"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-7.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates a cycle where certain perspectives\u2014especially more emotional or extreme ones\u2014get amplified. That is what makes the content feel so convincing, even when it lacks evidence. It also reinforces polarization, because I am mostly seeing similar types of viewpoints rather than a balanced range of information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>To break out of that cycle and verify information, I would need to intentionally seek out different perspectives and sources, rather than relying on what the algorithm shows me. Otherwise, I am only seeing one VERSION of reality.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignwide has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Evaluating Credibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the day, I noticed that a lot of the content I consumed was not completely false, but it could sometimes be incomplete and emotionally driven. The Erika Kirk content showed how the same situation can be framed in completely different ways depending on the narrative being pushed. The religious content blurred the line between belief and ACTUAL fact. The First Amendment videos showed how editing can shape perception, and the health content demonstrated how easily unsupported claims can be presented as truth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To verify these types of information, I would need to look at multiple sources, especially credible and research-based ones; we all should! This includes checking for evidence, comparing perspectives, and identifying whether the content is informational or persuasive. Truly, common sense and intuition will serve MYSELF and everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignwide has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Reflection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What stood out to me most from this assignment is not just how much media I consume, but how consistently it follows patterns. It is not random\u2014I am being shown similar types of content, similar tones, and similar perspectives throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest shift for me is realizing that misinformation is not always about something being completely false. A lot of what I saw had some level of truth to it, but it was incomplete, emotionally framed, or presented in a way that pushes a specific interpretation. That is what actually makes it convincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also became more aware of how quickly people\u2014including myself\u2014form reactions. Whether it is the First Amendment videos or opinion-based content, people respond emotionally first and question later, if at all. That reaction alone can shape how a situation is understood, even before all the facts are clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing I noticed is how repetition builds belief over time. Seeing the same type of content throughout the day makes it feel more familiar and more valid, even if nothing new is being proven. That is where I can see how someone could slowly build their identity or worldview around information that has not really been verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of this, I do not feel like I can just passively consume media anymore. I catch myself stopping and thinking about where something is coming from, what might be missing, and how it is being presented. (I will QUICKLY skip a video when my INTUITION alarms)! ha ha ha That awareness is probably the biggest takeaway for me\u2014it is not about rejecting everything, but about not accepting everything at face value either!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To complete this assignment, I tracked my media consumption over 24 hours to really see what I am actually taking in throughout the day. Honestly, I did not expect how much of it would bring such intense emotion&#8230; especially once I slowed down and paid attention! We have been talking about misinformation and how it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34,"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23\/revisions\/34"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jakedesousa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}