For this project, I opted for a traditional infographic that encapsulates select statistics from the Pew Research Center pertaining to digital news media, my concept of "mediated media", and an overview of Shoemaker & Reese's sociological theory, the Hierarchy of Influences. The aim is to offer a contemporary application for the theory and stimulate critical thinking in those viewing the infographic.

The initial three statistics provide context, illustrating that most individuals currently access news via digital devices, predominantly through news websites or apps. This fact is contrasted with a chart detailing the immense growth of digital advertising revenue for American media companies, which soared from $32 billion in 2011 to a whopping $152 billion in 2020. This information underscores the substantial role of technology companies in directing both news flow and revenue. The intention here is to incite inquiry into the ideas, products, and agendas being promoted, which generate such significant revenue.

This probing thought sets the stage for introducing the Hierarchy of Influences theory by Shoemaker & Reese. According to this theory, our collective experiences and accumulated knowledge are frequently mediated. Unless we have made a groundbreaking discovery or conceived a unique idea ourselves, our knowledge is interpreted - it is mediated. Shoemaker & Reese propose a hierarchy of influences that govern how knowledge and experiences are mediated, spanning from a macro level down to the individual.

Through this infographic, my goal is to illustrate the pathway from statistics to definition to application, ultimately leading the viewer to question the veracity of the news. This presentation highlights the myriad influences shaping the content we consume. It compels viewers to reconsider - whose thoughts are these, really?

Mediated Media