UXD_502

Essay Critical Bibliography

NAME: Noah Weston

STUDENT NO: B00833783

TITLE:

From the Digital Frontlines – Changes in User Engagement with Narratives Surrounding Images of Conflict.

RESEARCH QUESTION:

How have shifts from traditional to digital media circulation changed how users engage with and react to narratives surrounding images of conflict and violence?

CRITICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY:

REFERENCE 1:

Sontag, S. (2003), Regarding the Pain of Others. 4th ed. London: Penguin Books.

Susan Sontag’s, “Regarding the Pain of Others” is a fascinating insight into the ways in which people react to images of violence, conflict, and war. In particular to my research, the book highlights the distinction between the image and the narrative surrounding said image, which has proved to be a key consideration when planning my research. This has provided me with the theory from which the viewing of conflict and violence through both traditional and digital media platforms stems. I have found this to be an excellent foundation for understanding the fundamentals of the topic and think this will help me to frame further research.

REFERENCE 2:

Monteiro, M. (2019) Ruined by Design: How Designers Destroyed the World, and What We Can Do to Fix It. San Francisco, CA: Mule Books.

Mike Monteiro’s design manifesto, “Ruined by Design”, is an exploration into design ethics in a world of late-stage dark patterns. I have found it key to understanding the fundamental differences in what content modern digital platforms allow compared to traditional media outlets. While the book covers a wide array of topics, select chapters explore themes such as content moderation, free speech, and feed manipulation, all of which feed into my research question. It is another source of fundamental concepts for this topic, and with its focus on digital media, will serve as a vital lens to frame research through.

REFERENCE 3:

Duncombe, C. (2020) Social media and the visibility of horrific violence. International Affairs, 96 (3), 609–629.