Vaccinating Users against the Hypodermic Needle Theory of Social Media: Libraries and Improving Media Literacy

Mehrad, Jafar; Eftekhar, Zohre; Goltaji, Marzieh

Vaccinating Users against the Hypodermic Needle Theory of Social Media: Libraries and Improving Media Literacy

Document Type : Articles

Authors

Jafar Mehrad

Zohre Eftekhar

Marzieh Goltaji

International Journal of Information Science and Management Regional Information Center for Science and Technology Jam-e-Jam St. Jomhori Blvd. Shiraz 7194694171 Iran

Abstract

The hypodermic needle theory is a prominent theory in social media that affects the understanding, attitudes, and behavior of individuals. In this viewpoint, media is a powerful and dangerous source because the user or audience is vulnerable against the effect of a certain message. In this study, we assess the relationship between this theory in the field of information technology with two person-centered approaches of constructionist or discourse analytic approach and the critical theory approach. Moreover, the libraries’ role in vaccinating users against this theory by increasing their knowledge is shown

Keywords

Hypodermic Needle Theory

Social Media

Media Literacy

Library