VCE English 12: Analysing & Presenting Argument: Useful Definitions

Bias

The favouring of one side, viewpoint, argument, or disposition over another. Bias within journalism is sometimes a conscious and deliberate approach.

Clickbait

Online content where main purpose is to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page.

Dis-information

False information that is intended to mislead, especially propaganda issued by a government organization to a rival power or the media.

Fake news

Fake news websites, deliberately publish hoaxes, propaganda, and disinformation to drive web traffic inflamed by social media.

Filter bubble

A situation in which an internet user encounters only information and opinions that conform to and reinforce their own beliefs, caused by algorithms that personalize an individual’s online experience

Hoax

Something intended to deceive or defraud; deliberately fabricated to mask the truth.

Junk science

Untested or unproven theories when presented as scientific fact.

Mainstream media

Traditional or established broadcasting or publishing outlets. A broad term covering any form of media produced or distributed commercially, as part of a profit-seeking industrial enterprise, or as a publicly and/or state-funded operation. Examples include Channel 7, 9 and 10.

Misinformation

False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.

Post truth

A situation in which people are more likely to accept an argument based on their emotions and beliefs rather than one based on facts.

Primary source

First-hand historical evidence or an original account of an event, esp. used as research material.

Satire

A way of criticizing people or ideas in a humorous way, especially in order to make a political point, or a piece of writing that uses this style – political satire

Secondary source

A work that summarises, analyses, interprets or comments on one or more primary sources. Examples include books or magazine articles).

Sensationalism

The presentation of stories that is intended to provoke public interest or excitement, at the expense of accuracy. The act by newspapers, television, etc. of presenting information in a way that is shocking or exciting.

Urban legend

Also known as “Urban Myth”. A story or statement that is not true but is often repeated, and believed by many to be true.