COM 221 Writing Across the Media

Contributors

Authors List

Authors

  • Have you ever been to a life-changing concert, watched an ad that truly stuck with you, or experienced a movie that shifted your perspective? Did the story pull you in with creative visuals, unexpected twists, or a wave of emotions? That’s creative marketing at its best. It’s hard to imagine – and even harder to pull off successfully. Yet, it’s the foundation of the music and entertainment industry. Blockbuster movie campaigns, viral social media trends, and celebrity collaborations are just a few ways creative marketing shapes audience perceptions. My name is Abby Hanlon, and I’m a student at Texas Christian University, currently studying abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. I’m double-majoring in strategic communication and data analytics, with a focus on branding and marketing strategies in the entertainment industry. I have agency experience in graphic design, digital marketing, social media strategy, and brand storytelling. I currently serve as an intern for a technology company in the music industry, giving me firsthand insight into the business side of entertainment. Ever wondered why you can’t escape a song from a new movie, or why your favorite influencer is suddenly obsessed with a brand? This blog dives into how entertainment branding grabs your attention – and keeps it. Take the marketing behind Wicked or Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Both are masterclasses in capturing audience attention in an oversaturated market. But does this strategy always work, or is there a risk of overexposure? Wicked flooded every marketing channel – from viral TikTok audios and influencer collaborations to immersive billboards, department store branding, and even limited-edition Starbucks drinks. Swift’s tour was a phenomenon and a ‘euphoric’ experience, but her disastrous partnership with Ticketmaster initially left many fans ticketless and frustrated. Every entertainment campaign is different, but one thing is sure: consumer experience matters. The music and entertainment industry is fiercely competitive – grabbing attention is like competing in the Olympics for marketers. With media constantly doubling as advertisements, consumers have learned to tune out the ‘new.’ Whether launching a film, video game, concert tour, or influencer collaboration, brands must do more than just get noticed; they must create moments that stick. The strategy behind each campaign – the reason some marketing efforts succeed while others fade – determines what it takes to stand out in a crowded market.

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  • Aimee

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  • For decades, Hollywood has played a part in how the world views Arabs as well as Muslims through a negative, one-dimensional stereotype. Starting from “terrorist” depictions to villainizing personas, these portrayals shape misrepresentations of the culture and influence real-world perceptions. My name is Aisha Sadek Heinen and I am an Egyptian student who is passionate about how Arabs are represented in the Hollywood film industry. Discrimination and representation against Arabs in the media have been a topic often avoided. My goal is to make this issue a topic that needs to be addressed and relevant to promote change in the industry, allowing Arabs to be viewed in a positive light as well as being cast in Hollywood movies without their ethnicity being used to dictate whether or not they are “appropriate” for the role.

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  • Anaisha Fernandez

    I went to my first rave when I was 18 years old. Ever since that night, I have never stepped foot into a commercial club—and to be frank, I probably never will. A rave is truly like nothing else I have ever experienced in this lifetime, it’s like this almost instantaneous feeling of unity, safety, and comfortability. As a queer woman, it is incredibly important for me to feel all those things in any space that I am in, and most definitely on a night out. The individuals that are a part of the rave scene are people who have created this sense of diversity and openness, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. For many queer people, their safe space is the dancefloor. Not only are we having the most euphoric experience because we are surrounded by vibrant lights and transcendent music, but also surrounded by a community of people who express themselves freely without judgement. Rave culture embodies the values of inclusivity and self-expression through electronic music and dance, and this has remained true since the birth of techno music in Detroit, Michigan in the early 80s.

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  • My name is Anastasia Antonelli, Im half Italian half Ukrainian born and raised in Ghana, currently pursuing a communications degree in Rome at John cabot university. My multicultural background has shaped me to be the person I am today. Living the life of the unknown I take every experience as an opportunity to learn, grow and appreciate the little things. In a very cruel world we live in I still believe in fairness and logic hence my chosen topic media coverage and media bias, many news outlets today tend to be biased and I would like to shine some light on this issue.

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  • The fashion industry can provide us with more than just clothing. It allows us to express ourselves, explore trends, and create our identity. If fashion can create our identity, do the materials our clothing are made out of also shape our identity? A big debate in the fashion industry is whether all clothing should be made with sustainable materials. My name is Anna Clay and I am a student at Texas Christian University, studying abroad at John Cabot University. I am a double major in Strategic Communication and Digital Culture and Data Analytics, which allows me to explore consumer behavior, social media behavior, and technology. I have always been very interested in the fashion industry and I was able to be exposed to it more when I worked as a social media intern at a clothing boutique last summer. This internship grew my love for fashion and made me more interested in sustainable fashion, the ethics behind it, the materials being used in clothing, and how the media’s opinion has made the industry change.

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  • Antonio Lopez

    I am the prof of this class.

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  • Arnaud has been a huge fan of basketball, especially the NBA, since an early age. His love for basketball started at the age of eleven. He was first introduced to this sport by his uncle, they would play at a high school playground before his football practice every Saturday morning. Since then, this patience grew larger over time, leading to him watching the NBA. As a sports lover, Arnaud’s interest in NBA trades caught his attention more specifically the impact the media outlets such as social media, sports articles, and podcasts have on NBA trades. More on Arnaud, he is a twenty-two-year-old communication major at John Cabot University with an interest in the NBA. Arnaud is from Burundi. His favorite team is the Oklahoma City Thunder. He often makes edits on NBA players in his free time and posts them on social media platforms. In this blog, the main focus will be pointed at the media’s impact on NBA trades. This will mainly center on the influence of news leaks, fans and players have on NBA trades. This blog will also delve deeper into the impact on the players, and how it affects their day-to-day activity. Arnaud will review the most recent impactful NBA trades that have occurred in recent years. Cover the reason they took place and the impact they left on the NBA.

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  • Audrey Koenig

    Audrey Koenig is a third year undergraduate student at the University of San Diego. She is currently studying abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. Originally from San Francisco, a very progressive city, she has become an advocate and passionate writer on social and international issues such as human rights and the environment.

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  • Aurora Caruso

    Success is a desired goal for everyone, whether in professional careers or personal relationships. However, not everyone knows the path to achieve it. Often, social media and websites offer solutions through content that promises an improvement in one’s life. One example is Andrew Tate’s Hustler’s University, an online school that has gained the attention of many young men of Generation Z thanks to one toxic ingredient: misogyny.   I am Aurora Caruso, a director and media student at John Cabot University in Rome. If I do not write in this blog about what I love most, movies, it is because the stories between men and women that I would write about would represent today’s society, thus terrifying. After a class in Feminist Media Studies, I learn that Andrew Tate has been arrested on rape charges, luring women through social media. While I, in a class of only young women, reflect on the position of this gender in society, another young man is fascinated by Tate’s model of “success” and takes his online class. As an artist, it is also my role to mediate between ideologically polarized parties.   This biweekly blog analyzes the intersection between the unethical use of media and gender dynamics, questioning the concept of success and the negative influence of such models. Let’s start a dialogue that examines how some media platforms split the population while, at the same time, promising them success. 

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  • azhar

    Having grown up in a house with no WIFI, smartphones or iPads, and very limited T.V, I have seen the differences in the way people are dependent on their devices and how quickly I fell into the trap of social media dependence when I eventually got unrestricted access to all of these things. I have begun to write across the media, to help people better understand what we’re up against and better equip us all, to combat this attack on our time, attention spans and behaviors. I’m a 19 year old university student in Rome studying communications. I like making films and taking pictures too!

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  • True Crime has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. But do True Crime media and representations mirror reality in all of its forms? As a communication student, I’m not only interested in the stories themselves but also deeply invested in analyzing and understanding how different media, such as documentaries, podcasts and YouTube videos, can shape public opinion. I’m a twenty-year-old girl who lived most of my life in Rome and I have a particular curiosity about Italian crime cases. My parents are both journalists and I grew up immersed in a stimulating yet overwhelming environment, surrounded by news. I learn about the stories I post in this blog from newspapers and newscasts. While gathering information about the cases, I found myself constantly needing to reassess my mind, as I approached different sources and persuasive opinions. Being continuously exposed to commentaries and observations can be a double-edged sword. The history of the Italian justice system is full of shadows and silence, and it has always been my desire to make as many people as possible aware of the truth behind some of the most twisted cases in my country. In some instances, the media coverage of the events has had positive outcomes, highlighting judicial errors and oversights, while others have been so saturated with speculation and spectacularism, that they have been amply defined as “circhi mediatici” (media circuses). In my blog, I delve into Italian True Crime Documentaries’ influence on audiences, questioning what they choose to show and to omit, digging into the controversial relationship between media, justice and society.

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  • Carolina Littleton

    Student studying Communications at John Cabot University There are hundreds of genres to choose from when it comes to picking your next binge-worthy television show. Comedy or drama, fiction or nonfiction, thriller or rom com, any many more. The range of genres is one of the most appealing aspects because we get to choose how we escape the reality of our lives through media. But what happens when someone else’s murder becomes our media? True crime media has been a very prominent form of entertainment taking shape in many different forms.I have always had a fascination with true crime media. Not necessarily the crime itself, but rather people’s appeal to watching true life tragedies. Entertainment is a very subjective topic. It is an industry aimed to follow people’s preferences at the stake of others’ privacy. I find it important to study the borders that are crossed to produce true crime narratives not only to acknowledge the exploitation aspect of someone else’s murder, but also the re-traumatizing affect this media can have on people related to the true crime victim that we simply see as a character on a screen being played by a beloved actor. Digital representation is becoming the new textbook that shapes history in a contemporary age. By prioritizing fact over fiction and ethics over entertainment it creates a healthier relationship between producers and consumers that doesn’t harm any third party that may serve a big part in the story because, after all, there would be no story without them. By delving into the ethics of true crime media, I search for a silver-lining. One that, not only, educates me, but also educates you as the reader and a potential past, present, or future audience member who may find yourself watching true crime as a form of entertainment.

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  • Anorexia nervosa is a complicated eating disorder with many aspects, marked by a strong fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of one’s body, which causes extreme limitation of food consumption. It goes beyond simply food or weight; frequently, it represents underlying psychological problems like anxiety, perfectionism, and a desire for control. The connection between anorexia and social media is complex and important because social media platforms have the ability to impact eating disorders in negative ways. For example, the platform of TikTok has a significant influence; it can continue harmful patterns and unachievable body ideals. Anorexia is a huge topic that is often overlooked. A lot of individuals have struggled or are struggling with this disorder; however, there is minimal discussion surrounding it, and at times, this information is inaccurate. Nevertheless, as a young girl of 24 years who has suffered from anorexia, I take care of this serious problem, and I would like to support others affected by this disorder. In addition, I am in the last year of my communication major at John Cabot University, so I strongly believe that effective communication is crucial in addressing this issue; people should engage in conversation to confront the problem and increase understanding among others. Because of this, I want to focus my blog on anorexia to provide a deeper understanding and a comprehensive perspective on the issue, as we currently live in a digital age where social media holds significant influence and control over all aspects of our lives. Therefore, this blog will center on the connection between social media and eating disorders, placing a particular emphasis on the impact of TikTok on body image and mental well-being. Through my blog, I aim to increase awareness about anorexia, break down the stigma around mental health, and create a safe place for open conversations. I also emphasize the positive ways TikTok and other platforms can be utilized to build supportive communities and encourage healthy self-perceptions, as opposed to utilizing them in a negative manner.

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  • Artificial intelligence plays a key role in reshaping the concept of fashion, having a great impact on creativity. Style and technology are now deeply intertwined, showing us how, sometimes, fashion companies use AI ethically to bring the unimaginable reality, whereas others, like Prada, are trying to resist the trends driven by the algorithms. My name is Charlotte Sasson, and I grew up in an environment where clothes and dresses are seen as a way to express ourselves. As an italian communication student at the John Cabot University in Rome with a passion for elegance, for simplicity and for classiness in clothing, through which I convey who I am, I want to focus on the way in which fashion is now affected by AI, a shift that is even more visible to me through my parents, who have worked in this field for forty years and transmitted this passion for fashion. It is important to see how times have changed and how AI is now at the core of the fashion world. I guide you through this path and show you how different fashion brands recur to AI, emphasizing its ethical or even unethical usage. AI is now the main factor that writes the future history of fashion, and it is fundamental that we concentrate on the way in which AI does it.

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  • dante.toma22

    My name is Dante De Toma, a communication major with a passion for understanding how media, technology, and society intersect. My academic journey began with studying politics, philosophy, and economics at LUISS University, but I quickly realized that my interests lay in the evolving role of media in shaping societal behaviour. Transferring to John Cabot University allowed me to focus on communication, where I’ve been able to explore media ethics, digital culture, and content creation. For my Writing Across the Media course, I’m focusing on a critical and underreported issue: prison suicides, mental health, and how the media covers these crises. As an author and researcher, my contribution to this topic involves examining how media representation can either bring attention to systemic failures or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Through a mix of critical analysis and practical examples, I will explore the ethical responsibilities of journalists when covering sensitive topics like mental health and prisoner suicides. My research aims to reveal how media coverage influences public opinion and, potentially, policy reform around prison conditions and mental health support. I’ve always been fascinated by how technology influences communication, and in this blog, I’ll apply that lens to prison reform and mental health advocacy. From producing podcasts about Italian horror stories to researching the impact of algorithms on the gig economy, I strive to bring a thoughtful and creative perspective to my work. In this blog, I will contribute in-depth analysis of how media ethics can drive change in the way society views and addresses mental health crises within prisons and death while also encouraging more responsible journalism.

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  • Social media influencers are often seen as the voice of Generation Z, passionate about social issues, yet shouldn’t authentic self-expression be valued? As a nineteen-year-old girl from Germany, I find it challenging to navigate this dynamic. Political engagement is a central part of my life, shaped by influential voices in the media. With the rise of social media, many influencers are given a platform. While some promote important causes, their impact can also lead to fabrication misinformation and oversimplification. We need to question the cost of accessibility in political discourse. Sometimes I wonder if these influencers genuinely engage with politics and important issues, or if they’re just doing it for clout and more followers. I believe it’s crucial for influencers to be aware of the immense impact their online opinions can have on others, especially on younger generations. As someone who not only has an interest in politics but also spends time on social media platforms, I find it essential to mention how politicians leverage influencers to reach a wider audience.

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  • emmabruschi

    Hello! I am an undergraduate student interested in criminology.

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  • As soon as I became a fan of boxing thanks to my brother, an amateur boxer/mma fighter, I noticed the amount of hate, discrimination, and malice that enclose the sport. With the emergence of social media, cyberbullying and hate became much much easier to do. As a 20 year old university student who often spends too much time on social media, the way these vile online comments have become normalized is appalling to me. We, as fans of the sport but also of basic human dignity should come together to strengthen our knowledge on these acts of hate to rid them in the future. I inform readers of these dark clouds that hover over the sport and perhaps inspire future generations of boxers to change these stereotypes and biases in boxing.I expose stories in the world of boxing where hate comments changed the course of things, and while in different ways, both were destructive and harmful.

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  • Filippo Muraglia

    Salut! I’m Filippo, a communications major at John Cabot University, Rome, the marvelous city I have been living in for all my life. My past work experiences involve online editorials and students’ publications. If you sneaked into one of my posts, you probably noticed my interest in Internet fake news, conspiracies, and myths. Yep! I think learning how to spot and discredit them is essential for a proper online experience, thus my writings will be devoted to it.

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  • In today’s media landscape, stories unfold with a rapid pace, leaving little room for reflection before the court of public opinion delivers its verdict. I have always been drawn to how narratives can shape and reshape public perception. One phenomenon seems to surface time and time again: cancel culture. Cancel culture—a powerful force that, on the surface, seeks accountability but often turns into constant blaming and criticism—is both intriguing and dangerous. A single tweet or misstep can end careers, silence voices, and leave little room for forgiveness. But what truly concerns me is the ripple effect this trend has on discourse in the media. Rather than fostering open, reflective conversations, it limits growth and creativity. Accountability is essential, yes, but cancel culture can lead to consequences that extend far beyond an individual’s reputation—it changes how we consume media and discuss important issues. My name is Gabriella Nassiff and as someone studying communications at John Cabot University, I believe it’s crucial to explore the complexities of cancel culture in the media. In this blog, I’ll break down times when the media makes mistakes, what happens when we rush to judge someone too quickly, and what we lose as a society when we stop having real conversations and instead cancel people online. By understanding the dangers of this culture, I hope to encourage readers to think critically before pressing “share,” “like,” or “cancel.”

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  • Giacomo Fraioli

    Hi, I’m Giacomo Fraioli, a 20-year-old Communication student from Rome, currently pursuing my studies at John Cabot University (JCU). Born and raised in the heart of the Eternal City, my passion for football and AS Roma has been a constant throughout my life. As a diehard supporter, I frequently take my place in the Curva Sud, the ultras zone of the Stadio Olimpico, where the atmosphere is electric and the connection to the team is intense. Football isn’t just a pastime for me, here in Italy it is considered as a religion, and since I was a kid going to the stadium I have always been attracted from the vibrant vibes that came from the ultras zone named “Curva Sud”; once I was grown enough to go there just with my friends I fell immediately in love for the Curva Sud, but I immediately noticed that inside that zone of the stadium there was a whole different, particular and slightly dangerous environment; we can say that, until today, that side of the stadium is not exactly meant for kids or families that just want to enjoy the game. While studying communication, I’ve become fascinated by the cultural, social, and even political dimensions of football fan movements, particularly the ultras culture. This interest has led me to focus my research on the often-hidden relationships between ultras groups and organized crime, specifically in Italy with the mafia. In my current work, I’m exploring how these two worlds—ultras culture and mafia networks—interact and handle business together. Many people see ultras as simply passionate football fans, but their influence often extends far beyond the stadium. My research examines how certain ultras groups forge alliances with organized crime to gain power and control over the illegal businesses that operate inside and outside the stadiums. These connections are complex, sometimes controversial, and often operate in the shadows, but they hold significant influence over both football and the communities they inhabit. If you’re interested in the intersection of sport, culture, and organized crime, feel free to connect with me—I’d love to share more about this unique and fascinating topic.

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  • Grayson Chuck

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  • Much of the effects of climate change are insidious and largely invisible yet natural disasters and their increasing magnitude of devastation act as the visible face of climate disaster. In our modern media ecosystem, natural disaster events inevitably result in a slew of media narratives that often further the aims of political figures and serve to enrage constituencies. My name is Hayden van der Linde Dunne and I am an undergraduate student at John Cabot University. I am studying a dual degree in Art History and Communications with a minor in Business Administration. The intersection of my degrees offers a unique approach to how visuality in the media can be manipulated to further certain communication aims, specifically where it concerns incidents of natural disasters and how they influence political communication strategies. Natural disasters have adapted to gain a distinct political value. This blog will analyze media narratives to investigate the reciprocal relationship between politics and natural disaster events which manufactures outrage, furthers socio-political agendas and shapes larger world views for both political figures and voters.

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  • Henry Jackson

    Hey I’m Henry Jackson I was born in Raleigh, NC and have lived there my whole life. I’m a Junior at South Carolina. Advertising Major currently abroad in Rome and I like writing.

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  • I am a student at John Cabot University, and my nationality is Romanian. Reading, writing, and professional dancing have been part of my life since I was very young. In terms of writing, I mostly enjoy writing essays, prose, and (sometimes) poetry. I enjoy reading anything I can get my hands on.

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  • As a child, I could never really stick to one instrument. I tried the guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, and even singing, but eventually gave up. After studying music history in college for two years, I quickly developed a newfound love for music journalism. I could write about music without being musically inclined? Sign me up! For the past three years, I have been a part of the music and culture publication company AFTR PRTY NY as a senior writer. There, I was introduced to the ins and outs of interviewing musicians. One of the biggest concerns for many individuals I have interviewed is AI and its new influence on the music industry. Many musicians are unclear if it is good or bad. Using AI to create music could raise ethical concerns for many reasons. It may undervalue human creativity and originality by automating a process built on personal expression, emotion, and cultural experience. This could end the role of musicians and composers as a whole. AI-generated music often draws on already existing data on songs, which can lead to issues of copyright infringement or uncredited use of artists’ work. As I study communications and media at John Cabot University, I have grown to acknowledge the true impact art has on culture, and the influence technology has on us as a society. In this blog, my goal is to delve deeper into the world of AI-generated music, comparing it to different forms of sampling, remixing, and reusing human musicians have already been doing for years.

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  • Jillian Hunziker -vinyl junkie and romanticist extraordinare- is from New York, but currently based in Rome, Italy. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and digital media arts, while also writing and producing music on the side.

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  • Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my parents always played music in the car or at home early in the morning. But it was my older sister who introduced me to reggaeton. She loved it, and as any younger sister does, I followed her lead. Soon, what started as simply copying her, I realized more people were also listening to it. Living in Madrid, it was expected that a night out at a club would be filled with reggaeton all night. But what surprised me was seeing how popular reggaeton is around the world. Traveling to different countries and now living in Italy, a place where I never thought reggaeton would be so common, I hear people singing reggaeton at an Italian club or restaurant. When I ask if they speak Spanish, they say no, yet they know all the lyrics. That got me thinking: How or when did reggaeton become so popular? There was a time when Latin artists were told they had to sing in English to be successful around the world. Shakira, for example, was told to change her lyrics to English to have a global hit. Today, artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Rauw Alejandro top the charts with songs sung entirely in Spanish. When did this change happen? Was it because of social media? In this blog, I explore how reggaeton went from being a small niche to a global trend and how it has connected people even when they don’t understand the words.

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  • When we open Instagram or Tik Tok on our phones it often happens that we find pictures and video of children. These children, also called “kidfluencers,” are becoming the centre of their parents social media accounts. Growing up, I remember always asking my parents if I could open an Instagram page and the answer has always been no until the age of 13, once I finally got want I was craving for, I remember loving to share pieces of my life, but now, looking back, I realize how important it was that I had control over what shared. Today, many children don’t have this choice. These kids are in fact brough into the online world before they can even speak from themselves. Parents may post every milestone and private moment for views, and it heart-breaking to think about the long-term consequences for these kids. What happens when they grow up and their find out that their most intimate and vulnerable moments were put on display for everyone to see? Beyond the concern for their mental health, they are constantly exposed to public scrutiny and potential online predator. Unlike child actors these kids lack proper protection. It is time that we start facing this issue and advocate for kids’ right to privacy and genuine childhood.

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  • Leticia Zancanaro

    As humans, we are the only living being on the planet able to express opinion, which also means we are the only ones that can censor things. In the past years, this censorship has had a huge effect on media in many countries, but especially on the country I’m from, Brazil. I am Leticia Zancanaro, a Brazilian studying in Rome at John Cabot University, currently on my third year in college with an Associate of Science by Kent State University and a Bachelor of Science and Humanities by PUCPR. My goal is to raise awareness to people outside of Brazil what is going on by writing about it, since 2024 is a very important year to media and the history behind the censorship in the country, when we celebrate 60 years since the military censorship. Within a population of 200 million people in need of information, Brazil cannot stay in the dark about the world, and currently this has been a problem with X banishment and the president prohibiting the 60 years celebrations.

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  • Lia Cusumano

    I explore the contrast between the romanticized idea of living “off the grid” and the gritty reality of it, revealing the true challenges behind living self-sustainable lifestyles versus the representation of it online.

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  • Lucia Finn

    The other day while scrolling on TikTok, I saw a 20-something year old woman urge her followers to use beef tallow on their faces to keep them looking youthful. I quickly looked up what beef tallow was and discovered that it is “rendered beef or mutton suet”, whatever that is. The wellness industry is made up of hundreds and thousands of these same influencers urging impressionable young people, specifically young women like me and you to consume and use the most bizarre of products in the name of “wellness”. As a young woman involved in social media, I am constantly bombarded by the newest tips and tricks on how, to put it simply, to look and be perfect. My name is Lucia Finn and while studying media and communications, I have learned how society and human behaviour is shaped by the media. Often, we are blind to the blatant propaganda that we consume and fall into the trap of overconsumption. We have long known that society upholds impossible beauty standards towards women and the emergence of this new “wellness” industry perpetuates these toxic standards under a pretty veil. From drinking laxatives in the form of a green juice to 15 step skin care routines, the wellness industry targets insecure women to perpetuate unnecessary mass consumption. We live in an age where 10 year old girls are putting chemicals on their faces to reduce the chance of wrinkles and count their calories to achieve the “perfect summer body” and reform is long overdue. My main goal is shedding light on the newest wellness trends and debunking the myths of the wellness industry

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  • Ludovica Pagano

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  • Maddie Howard

    Growing up with a classical figurative sculptor for a father, I have been heavily immersed in art all my life. I’ve developed a passion for preserving good art in America, after seeing him pour himself into creating works of true beauty and sanctitude, and being heavily involved in Sabin Howard Sculpture LLC.

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  • In a world where media shapes the way we see gender and consent, how many times have we really stopped to question the messages hidden within news, films, or even social media posts? From understated objectification to outright victim blaming, rape culture has quietly woven itself into the very core of the entertainment we consume everyday. It is time to pull back the curtain and expose the dangerous narratives we’ve been conditioned to accept. I, Mariateresa Del Prete, am a passionate advocate for gender equality and media accountability. And through this blog I aim to shed light on how ingrained stereotypes and victim-blaming attitudes are reinforced thanks to entertainment and news cycles. The blog explores how consumers and creators alike can challenge these harmful portrays, amplifying stories that prioritize consent and respect. My entries are not only a critique but also a call to action for the media industry and its audience to demand better.

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  • Mariel Gousios is a creative activism reporter covering the intersection between artistic work and political change. As a music artist and published creative writer, she is no stranger to the music and literature industry and it’s potential to impact the world we live in. She has been published in various newspapers and literary journals, such as John Cabbot’s “The Mathew” and Emerson College’s “Concrete.”

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  • I am a nineteen-year-old from La Paz Bolivia. During my entire life until a year ago, I had limited experience with the world beyond my town, I’ve never been anywhere besides my house my school, and my park. Books became my means of escape, allowing me to peek into various cultures, individuals, and philosophies. The influence of literature, art, and writing has molded my identity, and storytelling become my favorite field. Therefore, it’s not unexpected that I am attracted to the impact of social media storytelling on contemporary society, as any other teenager, the internet has also become a portal from which I started judging the world. As someone who learned about the world through fantasy stories, and grew an identity based on ideas and fantasy characters, I am captivated by the emergence of virtual stories that claim to be true and the impact they might have in building a person’s ideas. How has the internet replaced accurate knowledge? To what extent does social media influence people’s perception of reality?

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  • The apparently innocent terms and conditions window that no one pays attention to is not as harmless as it seems and hides crucial information. Everytime you agree to the terms and conditions of a web or an app you could be consenting to the collection of your data, the loss of some of your legal rights or the tracking of your online activity. In this blog, I unpack the dangers behind accepting this agreement without reading it and unveil how big companies like Apple or Disney companies make it very long to take advantage of us. We will focus on current legal cases and lawsuits on privacy. My name is Miguel Presencio Ortiz and I study communications at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. Throughout the two years in which I have been studying here, I have explored the dangers of surveillance and the importance of privacy on the internet. This topic fascinates me because it is crucial to know about it now that we spend half of our life online. Something shocking for me was discovering that the internet is not the safe space that I used to think and that there are many economic interests behind it. Even though this is a hard truth, I think that acknowledging this problem is extremely important.

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  • Hello, My blog will be about addressing legal issues involving Hollywood and film in general. It is relevant to society today because legal cases have started to become more and more of public information. As a movie lover, I know that it is important to know the true intentions of the actors of film. This blog will offer news and different perspectives on past and present legal cases involving popular celebrities from Hollywood. If you are also a film lover and want to know more about the drama surrounding the actors than this blog is for you.

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  • I have a strong inclination on debunking misinformation led by lack of knowledge and ethics. As a student majoring in Art History and Communication, I’m interested in studying religion imagery and how it’s misunderstood, then powered by misinformation online fueled with hate comments. I cover religion since it’s one of the topics that elicits extreme reactions from the far-right online. I was born and raised in the north-east of France and have seen many events unfold under misinformation – in my country but also neighboring ones. As a result, I have been subject to its consequences throughout my life, accentuating my will to better study the subject, to clarify the context of the events, deconstruct misinformation to hopefully stop these hate comments and hate actions.

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  • Reel Women – Behind the Lens: Women in Film While sitting on your couch, watching Netflix, It’s a scene we’ve all seen too many times: a woman faced with violence at the hands of a male antagonist. In the world of film, this trope has been a constant companion. But why is it so prevalent? Why does it seem that so many women on screen are defined by their victimization, their strength measured by the trauma they endure? Welcome to Reel Women, a blog dedicated to unpacking the violence against women portrayed in film. It not only covers how women are seen on screen but also ongoing cases with real women in the Hollywood or film industry. From gorey deaths in Horror movies to real-life court cases on misogyny in the Hollywood workplace, this blog is here to not here to only point fingers but to also spread awareness and bring these issues to light where we can examine, critique, and, hopefully, change the way film handles these issues. This will be through reviews, analysis, and discussions. As a woman who is studying Journalism and broadcast film, I have seen a fair share of cases where I screen movies on end for my classes and am faced with a distaste in my mouth for how my fellow women are being represented and portrayed, often relaying to violence or lazy stereotypes. Hence, the journalism part in me loves to report and look at cases in real life where it bleeds to be an even bigger issue as well. The urge to inform ladies who are interested in film industry drama, people who care about how women are perceived in film and activists who want to stay updated on topics all about women in the film space is rambunctious so come join Reel Women every other week for a riveting, witty and informative update on the space of violence against women in film. Because, let’s face it, how we see women on screen can shape how we see women off-screen. So, grab some popcorn and join us as we call out the clichés, bust the tropes, and demand films that portray women as complex, powerful, and—dare we say—fully human.

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  • Football is the most popular sport in the world. And yet, even though many love the sport, its players are victims of online abuse constantly. Over the course of the 2022/23 Premiere League season 7 of 10 players received abusive messages on social media according to a study conducted by The Alan Turing Institute and Ofcom. News stories about the abuse of a player on digital platforms are regularly found on the front pages of papers and magazines. Online hate speech is not only directed at the players themselves, but also their families and the people surrounding them. Shouldn’t it be common sense to treat others with dignity? To not abuse someone for what they look like, where they are from, or for simply doing their job? Values like human decency and respect seem to be fading away in the fog of hate and violence surrounding the sport. Football needs Social Media companies to take action against these trends, to protect players and their families and to make changes to ensure safety on their platforms. As a passionate football fan, who has been watching games since he was a little kid and as an athlete, who knows what sport is really about, the respect for each other, I believe this issue needs to be addressed. Seeing how people hate on players on Social Media, how insults get thrown at people, who are just doing their job and trying their best everyday, how humans get abused openly for their skin color, has made me like the football community less and less, even though I grew up associating it with solidarity, togetherness and friendship. That’s why it is important to me, that these values remain a part of the sport. My name is Sebastiano Gröteke, I am a student and communication mayor at John Cabot University and I write about social media’s abusive culture in the footballing cosmos and why it is important that we do something about it. 

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  • Welcome to “Algorithmic Divide” – Unraveling the Digital Influence Social media algorithms shape the way we consume news, engage with politics, and perceive the world. “Algorithmic Divide” is dedicated to dissecting how these unseen forces impact political polarization, creating echo chambers and shifting public discourse. Every day, algorithms decide what we see, amplifying certain narratives while burying others. But how does this influence our opinions and democratic values? “Algorithmic Divide” investigates these crucial questions through in-depth analysis, expert insights, and case studies that reveal the true power of digital curation. What You’ll Discover Investigative Analysis: A deep look at how algorithms reinforce biases and influence political ideology. Expert Voices: Perspectives from political scientists, data analysts, and technology researchers. Real-World Case Studies: Examining the effects of algorithm-driven polarization on elections and public opinion. Solutions & Media Literacy: Strategies to counteract algorithmic influence and promote balanced news consumption. Who Should Read This? This blog is for policy thinkers, media scholars, tech enthusiasts, policymakers, and anyone concerned with the politics-technology intersection. Whether you are a student, a reporter, or simply an everyday social media user, “Algorithmic Divide” provides the knowledge to help you navigate digital influence’s complexities. About the Author Senai Gallo is a student and Political Communication Researcher at John Cabot University with a focus on digital media, social influence, and algorithmic decision-making. Passionate about media literacy and online political discourse, Senai explores the evolving role of technology in shaping societal narratives. New posts every biweekly, join the discussion and challenge the digital status quo. Follow for updates

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  • Hello! I’m an undergraduate student passionate about media and it’s sociological effect.

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  • Sidney South

    Movies have always been a huge part of my life. From studying film to making my own, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling on screen. I’ve directed two short films—one of which is currently being admitted into festivals—and through this process, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking. The recent writers’ strike wasn’t just a fight for fair wages; it was a turning point for the entire industry. It highlighted the flaws in the studio system and the need for more independent voices in film and television. That’s why I started this blog—to explore the shifting landscape of Hollywood, the rise of independent studios, and what all of this means for the future of storytelling. I’m a university student in Rome, studying communications, and I’m passionate about film, media, and the creative freedom that independent cinema allows. This space is dedicated to breaking down these industry changes, celebrating new voices in film, and discussing where we go from here.

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  • As a Gen Z girl that grew up, and has lived in, numerous cities in the world, I have been exposed to activism in a myriad of ways. In the real world, I’ve seen how social issues impact my society directly and the social response to it. Transportation strikes have shut down my commutes in Rome and I’ve seen my neighborhood in New York flooded with protesters. Online I experience activism very differently. Social issues are individualized, attacking people for their actions rather than issues at large. With millions posting content daily, everyone is watched and scrutinized. This has developed an odd syndrome in which every issue is a major one. Because of this dichotomy, it’s become particularly interesting to me the way social media has become a vessel for activism, and, by proxy, one for overactivism. I want to explore what it means to hold people accountable when everyone is allowed to have an opinion like never before.

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  • “How do I get in shape fast?” This is something that we have all searched on social media once in our lifetime, and often, we would find several influencers trying to sell us their magical programs, books, advice, calls, etc for incredibly low prices, which are momentary and absolutely generous, of course.My name is Tommaso Garigi and I study communication at John Cabot University in Rome. I’ve been watching and enjoying fitness related media content since 2016, so I developed a sense of justice toward people that may first approach this delicate world. However, the fitness influencers (or Gymfluencers) often serve as sirens who have to attract as many people as possible thanks to their good looking body, only to sell unhealthy services and programs that have nothing to do with effective, science-based fitness plans. Other Gymfluencers lie and take advantage of us, showing to the world their amazing bodies that have been built with the abuse of PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs), and promoting physically and mentally unhealthy lifestyles. Next time you’re in the gym, look around and see the damage that these influencers are doing, as they push teenagers to use illegal substances to reach their “dream physique”. My little brother had problems too, as he’s been scammed by one of them into buying a more-than-two hundred euros program that was full of misinformation. Therefore, together, we dive into this dangerous realm of fitness influencers, exposing the redflags and talking about the latest news on the matter. See you, every Monday here, so we can make social media a better, healthier, and safer place.

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  • Tommaso Maestri

    College Student, with a lifelong passion for wrestling, currently training in the discipline.

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  • Misogyny has found a new breeding ground online, and influencers like Andrew Tate have been given a platform that enables them to radicalize young men. The misogynistic content and extreme beliefs that are starting to sow should be at the forefront of our minds. There are real-life consequences to content such as this and this blog discusses the ethics of allowing social media to amplify voices like Tates. My name is Tori Goins, and I am originally from Chicago but am currently studying at John Cabot University in Rome. Last year, I lived and studied in Canterbury, England for four months and it was during my time in the UK that my interest in “influencers” like Andrew Tate was piqued. Here, I lived next to young men who self-identified as misogynists and glorified Tate’s views. They targeted girls across campus with misogynistic harassment. It was shocking to see that there is still so much sexism and bias against women. Raising awareness of the rise in misogyny is important- it is a very issue that many young women deal with today. In this blog, I will be posting weekly to explore how biased social media algorithms are influencing younger generations and the role that extremist influencers play in this radicalization.

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  • AAAAAAAAAA

    I’m a last-year Marketing student passionate about music and deeply curious about how it is portrayed in media. I explore how media shapes our perception of music and impacts our authenticity, culture, and overall identity.

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  • What are we watching tonight? This is one of the most frequent question and more then half of the people will respond: “TV SHOW”. Watching series is the top pastime of 58% of the population and I have to admit that it is also one of my favourites. Although, I have found myself in a recurring situation, I have noticed that while some shows make progresses in gender representation, others continue to rely on outdated, inaccurate portrayals. Unfortunately, digging deeper this is not only an issue about representation of characters in the series, but also a problem regarding what happens on the outside of the screen. These portrayals often fail to reflect the real diversity and complexity of human experiences, leaving audiences with improper ideas of what gender identity should be. It’s important to don’t stop at what TV series are showing us and ask ourself what we’re being shown. This is why in this blog, I want to explore and discuss how gender identity is represented in Tv shows and undercover some aspects that unfortunately shelter sad meaning behind them. Follow me in this journey and let’s find together that identity that Tv shows should have in 2024.

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  • Ximena Coster

    Art and design shape the way we interpret the world, but how often do we challenge the morals and ethics behind what we consume? As a visual activism reporter, Ximena Coster explores the intersection of creativity and integrity, questioning the narratives that dominate global media. While mainstream outlets center around the Western world, countless stories go unnoticed in regions that rarely make the headlines. She believes journalism should be about amplifying unheard voices, uncovering perspectives beyond the usual scope. Her work focuses on dissecting the ethical dilemmas found in design and urging readers to thoroughly examine mainstream media and engage with the diverse and underrepresented.

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  • As an American girl, I grew up watching kids television shows featuring child actors who were the same age as I was. Today, kids entertainment has moved to social media as children now have a presence in content creation on TikTok and Youtube. Maturing comes with the realization that not everything is what it seemed. Those same child actors that I grew up watching have now revealed their own traumatic experiences. The child entertainment industries have become the sources of horrible allegations. Now, social media has become a hub of child exploitation. Throughout it all, there has been a lack of protection of children. As a current social media user, I worry about the safety of today’s children and future generations. With this blog, I spread awareness in order to enact further legislative action. I offer new understandings of children’s presence in the entertainment industries and social media. With a shift in perspective, I ask readers to question and hold industries and platforms accountable. But more importantly, I ask readers to contribute to a safer online experience for children.

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