04_The Dynamics of Communication- Encoding/Decoding and Filter Bubble

 

In today's interconnected world, the way we create, interpret, and consume information is profoundly shaped by underlying codes and algorithms.

 

Two critical concepts that help us understand these processes are Stuart Hall's Encoding/Decoding Theory and Eli Pariser's notion of the Filter Bubble.

 

Encoding/Decoding Theory

-        Concept by Stuart Hall

-        All communication relies on codes, which influence how we both create and interpret messages.

-        Creators "encode" messages with specific meanings before communicating them.

-        Receivers then "decode" the messages, interpreting them based on their own experiences and cultural backgrounds. This means people can interpret the same message differently.

-        Decoding is not simply passive absorption of information; it's an active process of making meaning.

 

Filter Bubble?

-       Concept by Eli Pariser

-       The internet is personalized. Algorithms recommend content based on your interests, which can limit your exposure to opposing viewpoints. This can isolate you from a well-rounded understanding of the world.

 

By exploring these concepts, we gain insights into the complex dynamics of communication and the impact of digital algorithms on our perception and understanding.