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In an age of information overload, it’s easy to confuse access to information with knowledge.”

– Dan Brown

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Picture a world where whispers spread within seconds, much like the rapid dissemination of news and social media today. While the information we receive can be extremely beneficial, at times, details can become distorted along the communication process.

Now we will explore how mixed-up messages can lead to problems in our society, how this happens and what we can do to be smarter about the information we see and hear together.

In order to understand miscommunication, we first have to understand communication

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What is communication?

Communication is the act of transferring information from one place, person, or group to another. Each communication process includes a sender, a message, and a recipient. While this process may seem straightforward, communication is a complex topic that can be influenced by various factors such as emotions, cultural context, the communication medium, and even physical location.

The complexity is why communication might not be always go effectively as the sender expects, leading to the communication gone wrong!

How and Why communication gone wrong?

According to the Oxford dictionary, context is “the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood”.

One of the frequent causes of miscommunication is that people misunderstand each other because when we don’t provide enough context when we communicate. It leaves the words or text open for interpretation to the one receiving it and more often than not, it leads to the recipient making assumptions of what the sender said.

The circumstances when an intended message is not understood or the intended information is lost in translation is called…

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Miscommunication

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We believe that communication gone wrong is a result from inaccurate information reception, share similarities with the communication model. 

This breakdown often happens due to inefficiencies or inaccuracies in the chosen communication medium during transmission from sender to receiver. Additionally, miscommunication can stem from errors in the message-sending process. 


As a consequence, the audience might misinterpret, assume, or have certain expectations of the information, resulting in a recurring cycle of miscommunication.

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Misusage

first stage

Misuse of media serves as the start phase in the breakdown of communication. This misuse encompasses various forms, often involving manipulation or unethical practices, hindering the flow of accurate information and creating confusion. 

For instances, these following actions are considered as misusage in communication process

  • Selective Information – Senders or creators may manipulate narratives by selectively including or excluding content, distorting the portrayal of events and leading to audience misconceptions.
  • Deepfakes – Hyper-realistic fake videos or audio recordings, commonly featuring public figures, are created to disseminate false information or manipulate public opinion.
  • Cherry-Picking Data – Presenting data or statistics selectively to support a particular narrative while disregarding contradictory information, thus skewing audience understanding.
  • Plagiarism – Presenting another person’s work, ideas, or content as one’s own without proper attribution, undermining trust and integrity within the media sphere.
  • Native Advertising Deception – Blurring the boundaries between editorial content and advertisements, complicating the audience’s ability to distinguish between unbiased reporting and paid promotions.

As misuse continues unchecked, it breeds a sense of distrust among individuals consuming the media. People start questioning the authenticity and reliability of the information presented to them, leading to a growing skepticism towards the media sources.

Miscommunication

second stage

Miscommunication arises from the inability to accurately convey a message or understand its intended meaning. This breakdown can occur due to unclear language, diverse interpretations, or other obstacles hindering effective information transmission. Resulting confusion, misunderstandings, and potential conflicts underscore the critical need for clear and precise communication to ensure accurate message reception and interpretation.

Miscommunication can be caused by several factors, including linguistic differences, cultural nuances, and technological errors. A common example of miscommunication is when someone uses ambiguous language or vague expressions that allow for multiple interpretations.

In addition, Miscommunication also relatedly can more the false information (Misinformation) also which in mass media we can categorize those false information into 3 types

  • Misinformation – arises from inadvertent inaccuracies or errors in communication. When individuals unintentionally convey incorrect information or misunderstand facts, it contributes to the spread of misinformation within the communication process.
  • Disinformation – strategically exploits communication channels to disseminate false information. Individuals or entities purposefully misuse communication to deceive, manipulate, or sow confusion.
  • Malinformation – entails the dissemination of true yet harmful information. This occurs when accurate information is intentionally conveyed with the aim to mislead, harm, or tarnish the reputation of individuals or organizations.

Misinterpretation

third stage

Misinterpretation involves the inaccurate understanding or interpretation of a message, statement, or information, resulting in a divergence from the intended meaning. Many factors, including linguistic ambiguity, cultural differences, or insufficient context, contribute to this phenomenon. Misinterpretation permeates diverse forms of communication, including verbal exchanges, written texts, and media content, often leading to confusion or misconceptions between communicators. In media contexts, misinterpretation frequently arises as audiences derive meanings from content that deviate from the creator’s original intent.

one of the best theory that can illustrate misinterpretation is “Schema Theory”

Schema theory suggests that individuals use pre-existing mental frameworks, called schemas, to interpret and organize new information based on their pre-existing knowledge or past experiences. Schemas simplify complex information, guide attention, and influence perception and memory processes. This theory is widely applied in psychology, education, and communication to understand how people process information in various contexts.

Misunderstanding

forth stage

Misunderstanding refers to a situation where there is a failure to grasp or comprehend the true meaning or intention behind a message, leading to an incorrect perception of the communicated information.

In the context of media, misunderstanding can occur in various ways

  • Sensationalism – Media outlets might exaggerate or sensationalize stories to grab attention, leading audiences to misunderstand the severity or significance of an event.
  • Selective Reporting – Focusing on certain aspects of a story while neglecting others can distort the overall narrative, contributing to misunderstandings about the broader context.
  • False Implications – Headlines or reporting that imply connections or conclusions not explicitly supported by the facts can.

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Covid-19 creates asian hates

real-world circumstances

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic not only brought about a global health crisis but also sparked a disturbing rise in cyberbullying and anti-Asian sentiment. Case studies reveal a troubling trend where misinformation and fear surrounding the virus fueled online harassment and discrimination towards individuals of Asian descent. Social media platforms became breeding grounds for xenophobic rhetoric, scapegoating Asians for the spread of the virus.

An asian attacked on New York subway train, example of consequence of Asian hates

Cyberbullies exploited this atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty to target Asian communities with hateful messages, threats, and derogatory stereotypes. The intersection of public health concerns and digital connectivity magnified the impact of such attacks, amplifying their reach and perpetuating harmful narratives. These case studies underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to combat online hate speech and promote solidarity in the face of adversity.

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How can we avoid miscommunication?

In the digital age, media literacy is essential for navigating the complexities of mass media and online communication. Frameworks such as the Five Core Concepts of Media Literacy or the Media Triangle emphasize critical thinking, inquiry, and analysis skills to evaluate media messages critically and discern reliable information from misinformation or disinformation. so that audiences today can become more aware of the information they consume. and increase their media literacy and critical thinking skills.

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Miscommunication can happen even when you articulate your message clearly, use the right channels, and convey it correctly.

Despite your efforts, misunderstandings can still arise if the recipient misinterprets your message. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend your audience and anticipate any issues they might face in grasping your message.

And you, your turn, what do you think that can prevent or avoid this miscommunication happens?

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