What is Media Driven "Manufactured Consent?"

Noam Chomsky, a renowned American linguist and political activist, introduced the concept of "manufactured consent" to describe how the media, government, and other powerful institutions shape public opinion and promote the interests of those in power.

Chomsky argued that the mass media are largely controlled by corporations and government entities, and that they use their power to shape public opinion by selectively presenting information and ideas in a way that supports the interests of the ruling class. Through this process, the media manufacture consent among the general public, creating the illusion of a free and democratic society while actually serving the interests of a small elite.

Chomsky believed that this manufactured consent is achieved through various means, such as:

• Selective reporting: Media outlets selectively report on certain events or issues while ignoring others that may contradict the dominant narrative.
• Framing: The media presents issues in a way that supports the interests of those in power, shaping public opinion by using specific language and framing.
• Source selection: The media selects sources that support the dominant narrative while ignoring alternative perspectives.

Overall, Chomsky's concept of manufactured consent emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and media literacy, as well as the need for a diverse and independent media landscape that allows for a range of perspectives and ideas to be presented to the public.

ChatGPT, What did Noam Chomsky mean by manufactured consent?