Assignment 3

Mediated Communication Assignment

This assignment is designed to enrich your understanding of social media platforms you use, and to consolidate your understanding of class materials regarding Mediated Communication. 

After you have worked your way through the recorded materials in Module 9 on our Canvas site, (#OMG, LOL, TTYL — Mediated Communication), choose a social media platform that you are familiar with (Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, WeChat, Facebook, etc.).  Use class materials in Module 9, #OMG, LOL, TTYL — Mediated Communication and Chapter 7 of the textbook(available in Module 9) to explain how this platform is a social communication tool for its users, using the following to structure your assignment.  Please number each section clearly, 1-4, and use letters (a., b., c. etc.) or numbers (1., 2., 3, etc.) to clearly identify each sub-part: 

1. Name and briefly explain the platform. (2 points)
2. Give 2 specific examples of how you and/or other people you know use that platform. (4 points (2 points for each))
3. Give 2 specific examples of the norms of the platform (how it is normally used/how it is expected to be used) and 2 specific examples of affordances of the platform (the things that specific features of the platform make possible). In each case, be sure to explain how the examples you give constitute a norm or an affordance.  (8 points – 2 points for each example)
4. Explain how 2 of the following 3 media characteristics apply to this platform:

-interactivity

-synchronicity

-social presence

(6 points – 3 points for each)

The assignment should be between 1 and 2 pages, single spaced, 1” margins, 12 point font.  (If it is a little shorter or longer, that’s fine).  Please upload a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file.

Be sure to use proper references, as follows:

In the text of your paper:

The book:

(Ruben & Stewart, 2020, p. X)  Note: X should be replaced by the appropriate page number that you are citing.

Class notes:

(Mandelbaum, 2020)

In the reference list at the end of the paper (does not need to be on a separate page for this assignment):

The book:

Ruben, B. & Stewart, L. (2020).  Communication and human behavior.  7th Edition.  New York: Kendall Hunt.

Class notes:

Mandelbaum, J. (2020).  Class notes, Rutgers University, xx/xx/2020

Grading

An A assignment will follow ALL the instructions carefully, and show clear evidence of original thought and engaged analysis and discussion.  In an A assignment, the paper is laid out clearly, with each section numbered clearly, 1-4, and using letters (a., b., c. etc.) or numbers (1., 2., 3, etc.) to clearly identify each sub-part.  References are used when material from the Modules or textbook are quoted or referred to.

1. Name and briefly explain the platform. (2 points)

Clearly identifies the platform, and its relevant features.

1. Give 2 specific examples of how you and/or other people you know use that platform. (4 points (2 points for each))

Examples are clearly “real”, not made up, relate directly to the platform you have chosen, are specific, and are explained clearly.

1. Give 2 specific examples of the norms of the platform (how it is normally used/how it is expected to be used) and 2 specific examples of affordances of the platform (the things that specific features of the platform make possible). In each case, be sure to explain how the examples you give constitute a norm or an affordance.  Label each part clearly and separately. (8 points – 2 points for each example)

The reader can easily identify each of the two examples of norms of the platform, and the two examples of affordances.  The explanation of each clearly lays out how each example is an example of a norm or affordance.

1. Explain how 2 of the following 3 media characteristics apply to this platform:

-interactivity

-synchronicity

-social presence

(6 points – 3 points for each)

The 2 media characteristics applied in this section are identified clearly, and the aspects of the relevant features of the platform that relate to the chosen media characteristic are clearly identified and explained.