center for media innovation

UF College of Journalism and Communications GHQ Radio Studio

The Center for Media Innovation is attempting to revolutionize the future of journalism. The plan is to create new ways of telling stories, to develop new ways of disseminating strategic communications, and to research the effectiveness of both. CMIR will push the limits of media.

CMIR utilizes advanced digital technology to train the College’s students in creating content for all media with its facilities. Journalism and telecommunications students generally work in the 21st Century News Laboratory, which includes a production studio, complete with professional lighting and a large multi-display video wall. There is also the AHA! The Innovation CoLab that is primarily for students in public relations, advertising, public interest communications and telecommunication production. This allows students to expand their skills in digital technology and develop campaigns and programs across multiple media platforms.

As a student in the College of Journalism and Communications at UF, I feel challenged and excited. I enjoy going to my classes in Weimer Hall and observing the different activities that go on such as the Innovation News Center or The Agency. I chose the Advertising track and couldn’t be happier. I fell in love with the courses the major offered and opportunities it presented. I have learned so much about media as well as been encouraged to think outside of the box. Beyond my tracking courses, the College offers many electives which are interesting, intriguing, and thought-provoking. My four years at UF would not have been the same if I was not a student in the College of Journalism and Communications.

Video:

the tipping point

The Tipping Point offers insight into the popular question of how trends catch on. According to Malcolm Gladwell, the tipping or boiling point happens generally when the three rules of epidemics occur. Gladwell first goes into the story of Hush Puppies to introduce the tipping point.

The Law Of The Few is the first rule. Gladwell uses the midnight ride of Paul Revere to explain. He claims that some people are connectors and these people are the ones who have the ability to make some ideas spread. Mavens, people who make it a personal ambition to know and share information, are an example of a type of Connector. A second are salesmen, who are those people who encourage others to try new ideas and make it impossible to resist. Paul Revere had these characteristics and therefore was able to spread his message, unlike William Dawes. In this case, it wasn’t the message that was being spread, but the person spreading it. Furthering Gladwell’s case. Simply by finding and reaching those few special people who hold so much social power, we can shape the course of social epidemics.

Gladwell next discusses The Stickiness Factor. This rule ultimately dresses the factor that can make or break an idea. Using Sesame Street, he illustrates this concept. The need for seemingly slight changes in the show played a huge role in whether the show would top or not tip. By tinkering with the presentation of information, we can improve its stickiness. In order to be capable of sparking epidemics, ideas have to be memorable and move us into action.

The Power Of Context is the final rule Gladwell says is essential to the tipping point. Basically, the environment as well as the small changes made to it influences people more than we think. Gladwell discusses the “broken window theory” to showcase his claim. This theory says that broken windows encourage further vandalism and crime. The main example in the book is with the New York City Subway Station. By just painting over graffiti and dealing with the fare beaters, crime significantly decreased. “The broken window theory” and the power of context are one and the same. They are both based on the idea that an epidemic can be reversed and tipped by playing with the smallest details of the environment.

The case studies at the end of the book illustrate the power of the tipping point further. When talking about teen smoking, it is pointed out that cigarettes themselves aren’t the reason teens are drawn to them, but the stereotypical “coolness” of them.

Gladwell uses the tipping point to explain that social change is so volatile and inexplicable and how we are so sensitive to the smallest details of everyday life. By just manipulating a few factors, a whole outcome can change. I think this book gives groundbreaking insight into understanding how some trends take hold and others don’t. I think in the world of marketing especially this information is so useful to society today. To master the tipping point, is to be successful.

my peers pt. 2

Here are more awesome blogs to check out:

If you’re into movies, you should really read Trailer Thoughts. Chris summarizes and comments on trailers in his posts. In addition, he also showcases some of his own work. I enjoyed the diversity of the films he chose to write about.

Do What You Love is an amazing read. It is inspiring and relatable. Follow Brittney as she writes about happiness and doing what makes you feel good. She supplies food recipes as well as advice for those who need to step away from the stressors in life.

Eating healthy can be hard for some people, so imagine following a healthy vegan diet! I love Veggies for Voleer because I’m a very picky eater and often struggle with food, especially here in Gainesville. I enjoy reading about Voleer‘s journey to veganism and how having discipline and the will to persevere is crucial to follow this diet.

 

my peers pt. 1

Here are some of my classmates’ blogs if you’re looking for a good read:

Dancing by Lauren is a blog I really enjoyed reading. If you love to dance, this is the blog for you. Lauren touches on many different styles of dancing ranging from hip-hop to salsa. What stood out to me was her post about the health benefits of dancing. I too believe that dancing goes way beyond the physical health benefits.

As we all know, it can be hard to find good food in Gainesville. Florida Femme Foodie writes critiques about some interesting food establishments in Gainesville. Caitlyn writes about a variety of places, such as coffee shops and pizza restaurants. In addition, she gives insight into cool food tips that go beyond Gainesville. I really enjoyed reading her blog especially because she too is currently applying to law school.

Reading Hidden Treasures of New York was fun because I am originally from New York. Although I’m from Long Island, I frequent New York City. Alex touches on some hidden gems that are not well known, such as the Statue of Liberty. I definitely advise reading this blog!

 

 

biography

My name is Anna Perlstein. I am a senior advertising major at the University of Florida. I am from Long Island, New York. I have two siblings, a brother named Eddie and a sister named Rosie. I have two dogs, both golden doodles.

It was during the summer I spent here in Gainesville three years ago, that I decided that I wanted to attend law school. It was three years ago that I realized what I wanted to do with my life. I knew the process ahead was going to be very stressful, but after talking with my parents we all decided that it was the right choice for me. For these past few years I have been juggling my school work, LSAT studies, social life, and health, which is definitely tiring. In my senior year, I can say I have finally learned how to manage all these responsibilities. A typical day for me (when I don’t have class) looks like waking up at 9 AM to go to the library. Taking a break in the middle to go to lunch at my sorority house, Delta Phi Epsilon. Then going to a barre class to decompress and exercise. After that, I will either go back to the library or study in my room. This schedule allows me to get my work done as well as find time to relax.

resume

It’s that time of the year for us young adults, especially college seniors, to be on the job hunt. One of the most important parts of this process is the resume. Currently, I am in the process of applying to law school and this is the time to show schools who I am as a student, and what I’ve spent my time doing.

Check out my resume!

Anna Perlstein

music

Here’s something so easy you can do to improve your life- listen to music! Its been proven that stress can be released through the power of music and has other health benefits. I mean who doesn’t get excited when their favorite song comes on? If I’m in a bad mood I like to take a break for even as short as 15 minutes and listen to music I like. I almost always become more relaxed. Also, music is a must for me at the gym. I need music to motivate me, especially when running on the treadmill. In addition, listening to music you enjoy decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress.

Music immensely affects your emotions and body. Faster music can make you feel more alert and concentrate better. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day.

One of my favorite music platforms is Spotify. Spotify offers millions of songs as well as readymade playlists to match your mood. There is a section for basically every way you could be feeling. If you’re going through a rough breakup, there are playlists for that, such as the Breakup Songs Playlist. Let’s say you’re having a bad day, listen to the Mood Booster Playlist. If you’re studying, listen to the Brain Food Playlist. There are literally playlists for everything and multiple options. I love listening to the Today’s Top Hits to find out the latest music. Also, you can create your own personalized playlists for when you want a mix of everything.

 

pure barre

Recently, I signed up for Pure Barre, which is a workout class that utilizes the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements. It is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs, and arms, and burns fat in record- breaking time. This is easily my new favorite work out. It is more than just exercise, but it is 55 minutes of just you time. When I leave, I feel accomplished, relaxed, and energized for the rest of the day. The classes are definitely difficult but doable.

Pure Barre is also known for improving emotional and mental wellbeing as well. The mind body connection formed in the class is the reason. Studies show that regular exercise can decrease stress, memory loss and boost your mood. The class requires intense concentration and focus, which allows me to block out the busy work and stress for a brief period of time. This meditative quality gives me the time I need to decompress and take my mind off the less important stressors for a while. I mean how can you dwell on the things getting you down when all your attention is focused on not falling out of position?

Also, don’t worry if you are not a dancer because I definitely am not! The class is not based around dance skill. Pretty much everyone can do it! If you can’t get yourself to run on the treadmill or exercise on your own at the gym, then this is the perfect class for you. I love how there is an instructor and others in the class motivating me to be my best. It is my most optimal workout that also gives me the break I need from my busy life. It’s almost impossible to not give 100 percent when everyone around you is too.