Find one advertisement or commercial (on the internet, in newspapers, in magazines, etc.)
and analyse the texts (i.e., what is written or being said) and images found within it. What
is being sold and who is the intended audience? Is the ad or commercial selling consumers
something more than just the product (for example, a particular identity, social status, or
lifestyle)? If so, what is being sold? How are these ideas being conveyed through the texts
and images found in the ad or commercial? What are the symbols, metaphors, and/or
cultural references that are used to persuade the consumer to purchase the product? Be
sure to attach a copy of the advertisement (or include the hyperlink to the website where
the advertisement or commercial can be found) to your assignment.
2
OPTION 2: Analyzing your consumption of social media
For this assignment, you will need to reflect on your consumption of social media. Select
one or two forms of social media that you consume on a regular basis. This could include
(but not limited to) Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, etc. Why do
you think you engage with these forms of social media? Is your sense of identity (in terms
of how you see yourself and how you think others see you) and/or ‘community’ (in terms
of feeling connected or a part of something) related to your use of social media? Explain.
Do you see yourself as an active participant in both the consumption and production of
social media? Why or why not? Lastly, are you at all concerned about your consumption
of social media? Why or why not?
