Educational Dimension of Social Media: Analysis of Selected Educational Profiles on Instagram
Educational Dimension of Social Media: Analysis of Selected Educational Profiles on Instagram

Summary/Abstract: The importance of the media in the process of informing and education of the public is unquestionable. In the current situation, which is related (also) to the coronavirus pandemic, the educational function of the media seems to have been further strengthened. This can be seen as the result of "media market oversaturation" with information, but also misinformation, fake news, hoaxes and conspiracies. Although, the primary purpose of the media is to inform its audience, in today's postfactual society, many media creators are aware that they also "need" to educate, direct or navigate their audiences in a sea of information. This trend can be observed especially on social networks, which are also the subject of an investigation of the submitted post. It aims to explore the potential of using social networks in the field of education and audience information, as well as in the area of awareness of current issues resonating in society. In theory, the authors are characterized by theme-forming concepts related to the issue of the potential of social networks in the field of education and self-education. In the second part of the post, the authors perform a combined qualitative and quantitative content analysis of three selected Instagram profiles, which through their content convey information and knowledge, spread awareness and educate their audience on important topics. The subject of the investigation are posts on Instagram profiles dealing with COVID-19, with the authors noting the degree of representation of posts with coronavirus-related content; the features that these posts perform; but also, whether the authors cite sources of information as a sign of the relevance and credibility of the published content.

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