# Chapter Notes: Media and Society

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the key concepts, vocabulary, and grammatical structures presented in the chapter "Media and Society."

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## Ways with Words

### A. Vocabulary Definitions

* **blog**: A personal or corporate website featuring regularly updated entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material.
* **profession**: A paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification.
* **disappointment**: A feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.
* **detained**: To be held in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime.
* **convicted**: To be formally declared guilty of a criminal offense by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge.
* **violating**: Breaking or failing to comply with a rule, law, or formal agreement.
* **pros and cons**: The advantages and disadvantages of a particular matter.
* **amercement**: A non-statutory financial penalty, the amount of which is determined by a court.

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### B. Prepositional Verbs in Context

The following sentences demonstrate the correct usage of common prepositional verbs.

* **apologize to**: The company was forced to **apologize to** its customers for the data breach.
* **adapt to**: She found it difficult to **adapt to** the colder climate after moving from the tropics.
* **devote to**: The scientist decided to **devote** her career **to** finding a cure for the disease.
* **refer to**: In your essay, please **refer to** the specific examples discussed in the lecture.
* **reply to**: He did not **reply to** my email for over a week.
* **admire for**: I greatly **admire** him **for** his courage and resilience.
* **apply for**: She is planning to **apply for** a scholarship to study abroad.
* **pray for**: They went to the temple to **pray for** peace and good health.
* **scold for**: The manager had to **scold** the employee **for** repeatedly arriving late.
* **vote for**: The citizens will **vote for** a new representative in the upcoming election.
* **aim at**: The new policy will **aim at** reducing unemployment in the region.
* **arrive at**: We expect to **arrive at** our destination by noon.
* **glance at**: He took a quick **glance at** his notes before starting the presentation.
* **look at**: The detective had to **look at** all the evidence very carefully.
* **bring up**: It is not always easy to **bring up** children in a major city.
* **agree on**: The committee members could not **agree on** a final decision.
* **comment on**: The spokesperson refused to **comment on** the ongoing investigation.
* **concentrate on**: Please **concentrate on** your work so you can finish it on time.
* **rely on**: Many rural communities **rely on** agriculture for their livelihood.
* **count on**: You can always **count on** me for support.
* **grow up**: She wants to be a doctor when she **grows up**.
* **escape from**: The prisoner managed to **escape from** the high-security facility.
* **recover from**: It took several months for him to fully **recover from** the surgery.
* **resign from**: After the scandal was exposed, he was forced to **resign from** his position.
* **suffer from**: The patient was found to **suffer from** a rare genetic disorder.
* **separate from**: The introductory chapter should be **separate from** the main body of the text.
* **worry about**: It is natural to **worry about** the future during times of uncertainty.
* **argue about**: The politicians continued to **argue about** the details of the new bill.
* **boast about**: He tends to **boast about** his achievements, which can be off-putting.
* **dream about**: She would often **dream about** traveling to distant and exotic lands.
* **acquaint with**: The orientation program will **acquaint** new students **with** the campus facilities.
* **agree with**: I **agree with** your assessment of the situation.
* **charge with**: The suspect was formally **charged with** theft and burglary.
* **trust with**: She is a reliable person whom I would **trust with** any responsibility.
* **confuse with**: People often **confuse** that particular actor **with** his more famous brother.
* **believe in**: To achieve great things, you must first **believe in** your own abilities.
* **involve in**: The research will **involve** participants **in** a series of controlled experiments.
* **succeed in**: With hard work and determination, she was able to **succeed in** her chosen field.
* **specialize in**: This law firm **specializes in** intellectual property cases.
* **absorb in**: He was so **absorbed in** his book that he did not hear the phone ring.

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## Comprehension

### A. Fill in the Gaps

a. People are using social media for individual as well as **marketing** purposes.
b. Social media is not only a platform of sharing views, but also a platform of **marketing strategy**.
c. The hospital wanted Prita to pay Rp. 100 million for **immaterial losses**.
d. Some singers organized **a fundraising event** to help Prita.
e. The campaign to help Prita was able to collect Rp. **825 million**.

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### B. Answer the Following Questions

**a. How do you define social media?**
Social media refers to computer-based technologies and interactive digital channels that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression through virtual communities and networks.

**b. Social media has been an integral part of modern life. How?**
Social media has become integral to modern life by fundamentally changing how people communicate, consume information, and conduct business. It allows for instant interaction across geographical boundaries, serves as a primary source of news for many, and has become a vital platform for social movements, political campaigns, and commercial marketing.

**c. Why do people use Facebook and YouTube?**
People primarily use Facebook for social networking—connecting with friends and family, sharing personal updates, and participating in online communities. YouTube, on the other hand, is used as a video-sharing platform for watching, sharing, and uploading a vast array of user-generated and corporate media content.

**d. What is a blog? How can it be beneficial to us?**
A blog (a shortened form of "weblog") is a website or web page that is regularly updated, typically run by an individual or a small group, and written in an informal or conversational style. It can be beneficial for improving writing skills, establishing expertise in a particular field, networking with like-minded individuals, and even creating professional opportunities.

**e. Was Prita’s intention bad when she sent a message to her friends?**
No, Prita's intention was not malicious. She sent the message to a private group of friends as a cautionary note, aiming to inform them about her negative experience so they could be more careful when seeking similar services.

**f. How did Prita's message become a big problem?**
Prita's private message became a significant public issue after one of her friends shared it on a public website. This act transformed her personal complaint into a public accusation, which the hospital interpreted as defamation, leading to legal action.

**g. Why was she convicted by the court?**
She was convicted by the court for violating Indonesia's law concerning the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), specifically on charges related to electronic defamation.

**h. What was the purpose of the campaign, “Bantu Bebaskan Prita”?**
The purpose of the “Bantu Bebaskan Prita” (Help Free Prita) campaign was to raise public awareness and crowdfund the money required for Prita to pay the substantial amercement imposed by the court.

**i. How are people stronger than social media?**
The text suggests that people are ultimately stronger than social media because collective human action can override its negative consequences. While a social media post led to Prita's conviction, it was the organized, real-world effort of thousands of people—through campaigns and fundraising—that provided the support to challenge the outcome. This demonstrates that human agency and community can be a more powerful force.

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## Critical Thinking

### a. Does social media have a positive impact on society?

Social media is a multifaceted tool with a significant and undeniable positive impact on society, although it is not without its drawbacks. Its primary benefits lie in enhancing communication, facilitating access to information, and empowering individuals and communities.

* **Information Dissemination and Education**: Social media platforms are powerful channels for the rapid spread of information. They serve as vital sources for breaking news and allow students and professionals to access educational content and expert discussions on virtually any topic.
* **Social and Civic Engagement**: These platforms provide a space for individuals to engage in social and political discourse, organize community initiatives, and mobilize for social change. Movements can gain global traction with a speed and scale that was previously unimaginable.
* **Strengthening Connections**: Social media helps maintain and strengthen social bonds by bridging geographical distances. It allows people to stay connected with family and friends, find communities based on shared interests, and reduce feelings of isolation.
* **Economic and Professional Opportunities**: For artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals, social media offers a platform to showcase their work, build a personal brand, and access a global marketplace. It has become an essential tool for marketing, recruitment, and professional networking.

In conclusion, while the negative aspects of social media warrant critical examination, its positive contributions to connectivity, education, and empowerment are profound and transformative.

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### b. How do you compare virtual communication and face-to-face communication?

Virtual and face-to-face communication are two distinct methods of interaction, each with its own advantages and limitations.

**Face-to-Face Communication** is the traditional and arguably richest form of interaction. Its key characteristic is **co-presence**, which allows for the transmission of a full spectrum of verbal and non-verbal cues. Tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, and gestures add critical layers of meaning that are often lost in virtual contexts. This richness enhances clarity, fosters empathy, and is generally more effective for building strong interpersonal relationships and resolving complex or sensitive issues.

**Virtual Communication**, which includes methods like email, instant messaging, and video conferencing, offers unparalleled **convenience and accessibility**. It transcends geographical boundaries, allowing for instant connection with people anywhere in the world. This method creates a permanent, searchable record of the conversation, which can be beneficial for professional and organizational purposes. However, it often lacks the nuance of in-person interaction. The absence of non-verbal cues can lead to misinterpretation, and the sense of psychological distance can sometimes inhibit genuine connection and trust-building.

In summary, face-to-face communication offers depth and richness, making it ideal for building relationships. In contrast, virtual communication offers efficiency and reach, making it an indispensable tool for modern logistics and global connectivity.

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## Writing

### What is cyberbullying? What are its effects? How can it be stopped?

Cyberbullying is defined as the use of electronic communication to bully, harass, or threaten a person. This harmful behavior manifests through various digital channels, including social networking sites, messaging apps, and online gaming platforms. Common forms of cyberbullying include spreading rumors, posting embarrassing content, sending intimidating messages, sharing private information without consent, and hate speech. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can be relentless, invading a victim's personal space and feeling inescapable.

The effects of cyberbullying are severe and can inflict deep psychological, emotional, and even physical harm. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, depression, and a profound loss of self-esteem. The persistent nature of online harassment can lead to social isolation and a constant feeling of being unsafe. In the most tragic cases, the emotional distress caused by cyberbullying has been linked to self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Preventing cyberbullying requires a multi-pronged approach involving awareness, monitoring, and decisive action. **Education** is the first line of defense; children and teenagers must be taught about responsible digital citizenship and the severe consequences of online harassment. **Parental involvement** is also crucial; parents should monitor their children's online activities and maintain open communication about their digital lives. Finally, it is essential that all instances of cyberbullying are **reported immediately** to platform administrators, school authorities, or law enforcement. Creating a culture where such behavior is not tolerated is the most effective way to ensure a safer online environment for everyone.

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## Grammar

### B. Prepositions of Direction

a. Prem drove Milan **to** the airport.
b. The plane landed **on** the runway.
c. The kids climbed **onto** the monkey bars.
d. Manish and Richa moved the table **into** the dining room.
e. Ganesh almost fell **into** the river.
f. Lalit and Sarita took the bus that was heading **toward** the university.

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### C. Choosing the Correct Preposition

a. While we were hiking **through** the forest, we saw a mountain lion.
b. The leopards walked in a circle **round** the baby giraffe before they attacked.
c. Go **out of** the building and turn left.
d. She ran **away from** home when she was eighteen.
e. Raindrops ran **down** the windscreen making it difficult to see the road.
f. Hemanta put the plate **onto** the table and began to eat his dinner.
g. The frightened deer disappeared **into** the forest.
h. We were driving **towards** the City Centre when we had an accident.
i. The smoke from the fire went **up** into the sky.