Introduction

ARCH9090 2h

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

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AIM AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to analyse and evaluate the public’s views on social media and censorship. In order to do this, quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to understand the public’s current knowledge, usage and concerns regarding this topic where the group will conduct interviews, questionnaires and online research on social media censorship. By undertaking these different data analysis methods, effective analysis will occur to further conclude the effects of social media censorship on the public and the concerns they have about the current operation and management.

Figure 1: Free Speech Suffocated (Castillejos, 2021).

METHOD OVERVIEW

The methods used were to primarily gain an understanding of public opinion both locally and internationally. In order to do this, both primary and secondary research was gathered to gain a broader insight into social media censorships and the issues at current. The primary data gathered through the interviews and questionnaires was carefully structured to gain the most relevant and useful data on the topic. The aim of both these methods was to understand the knowledge levels and opinions of people from different backgrounds and ages so that the final data is inclusive. Alongside primary data, secondary data was also used, where information was gathered from books, articles, academic reports and social media platforms themselves. Both primary and secondary methods of collecting data will allow for extensive analysis and a deeper understanding of the public’s opinions, both locally and internationally, on social media censorship.

PREAMBLES

Social media censorship has been a topic of concern for many decades and has notably increased in recent years, with broad opinions circulating the world on whether social media should be censored or whether it should not, and if so, who should be in charge of this task and to what extent? Many questions surrender this hot topic, therefore this report study has been conducted to analyse the data collected from a public involvement process to evaluate the direct effect of social media and censorship on the community. This will be done by both collating the opinions of individuals and analysing a variety of data collected online to have a well rounded understanding of both the Australian and international laws related to censorship and social media.

REPORT STRUCTURE

Initially, the report builds on a comms collateral conducted through secondary research, unpacking what social media is and the types of censorships associated with it. From this, background information is provided on social media and censorship, as well as the history of a variety of different platforms. Censorship is then further broken down into community, government and algorithmic censorship and its effects within Australia and internationally. Furthermore the report delves into the methods used for the research including the strategies taken during the questionnaires, interviews and twitter data. The methods used are then carried into the data management section where the purpose of the report is further unpacked and limitations are stated. The final part of the report consists of a findings section, where data collected from both secondary sources and public involvement process are analysed. The major themes from gathering data are evaluated where the results are presented in graph and table formatted to be reviewed and analysed. Finally, the report will draw a conclusion from these findings regarding social media censorship.