Volume 8 (2022): Edition 1 (January 2022)

The article aims to discuss the importance of visual materials in the pro-animal movement in terms of their use in various areas of pro-animal activity, i.e. promotion of a plant-based diet or investigative activities. The starting point of the considerations is an outline of the issues related to Anthropocene and anthropocentrism (in the context of the current status of animals), and the characteristics of pro-animal activities, undertaken mainly by the third sector. Based on the analysis, it has been shown that visual messages perform an important role in shaping convincing messages, and therefore constitute an invaluable communication tool in the pro-animal movement. They have both a documentary and informative as well as a persuasive character, which is also illustrated by selected examples. In addition, the article emphasizes the role of the media in cooperation with the pro-animal movement, which is an important element of its communication strategy.

Do the announcements of listed companies issued under ESPI have an impact on the increase or decrease of stock exchange quotes? Or maybe the visual aspect of the company’s communication is more important? Can we talk about a specific „butterfly effect” when one screen before the game’s premiere or an entry in social media is able to shake the facades of the gaming giant from Poland? The company CD Projekt was subject to the audit. The basic research thesis assumes that the announcement issued by a company as part of the legally established communication of listed companies has an impact on the company’s quotation and capitalization on the market. The selected research method consists of two elements: statistical (quantitative) analysis and qualitative analysis. It is time to start the journey to the world of Cyberpunk 2077 and back.

The paper presents the functions of public relations from visual communication standpoint. The argument for iconic turn application into public relations theory is provided. Next, the paper describes three main functions of images in PR: informative, persuasive and aesthetic. The essay is a theoretical realisation of socio-cultural paradigm in a public relations theory. Contemporary public’s interactions with visuals are dynamic. The constructivist approach stresses the role of knowledge in perception and therefore it is against the simplistic nativist approach to perceptual activity. It allows recipients’ behaviour to be generally appropriate also to non-sensed object characteristics. The publics remaining in the dialogue with an organization, learn specific aesthetics and perceive specific institutional visual stimuli. The paper indicates the need for interdisciplinary research in both visual and organizational communication domains. Such application of PR encompasses constant researching, conducting and evaluating communication programs to achieve the informed public understanding necessary to the success of an organization’s aims.

Higher education in specific professional competencies is each time a challenge to combine the expectations and capabilities of universities, the expectations of the labor market and the expectations of students. With regard to the competencies of the future, relevant to the marketing communications sector, the situation becomes further complicated due to the dynamically changing digital media and modes of communication. In Polish conditions, numerous research results are available, indicating the expectations of employers of the marketing communications sector. However, there is a lack of research dedicated to the competence offer of universities in this regard, as well as the expectations and interests of students. This article attempts to fill this gap. It presents the results of a survey of 156 students at Polish higher education institutions regarding the assessment of the presence of future competencies in the study plans of the majors they study and their perceived professional usefulness of these competencies. The results of the survey indicate the existence of a competence gap both between the offer of higher education institutions and the expectations of employers, as well as between the expectations of students and employers. This article was written as part of the implementation of the “Media and Communication in Education and Science” project, under the International Partnerships program, funded by the National Agency for Academic Exchange.

The article presents the idea of freedom of communication and science in the context of contemporary trends related to the development of modern information and communication technologies. The research was carried out by means of literature analysis, observation, desk research, and statistical surveys, including estimated data on changes, for example in the labour market. Reference was made to the paradigm shift in the use of information and communication technologies as a result of the pandemic. Attention was also paid to the influence of technology on the sphere of scientific and public information. As a result of the research, changes related to the use of artificial intelligence have been noted, including threats related to the impact of technology on humans and the environment. Another problem is the lack of knowledge about these threats and the uncritical adoption of new technological innovations. Automated decision-making systems do not follow clear rules on accountability for the possible effects of adverse reactions. On the other hand, the development of technology is causing a revolution in the field of open access to scientific data, free of charge and without legal and technological barriers

The modern world is strongly correlated with the media and new technologies. The human system of values is constantly threatened and subjected to numerous tests and challenges. Axiology faces a huge challenge in the face of modernity. Thanks to the serial productions these threats are strongly highlighted and accentuated, while the consequences of the use of media and new technologies are clearly depicted in the dystopian and catastrophic storyline. The communication of the image of the degradation of human values is superbly presented in the series Black Mirror, which has an ethical and educational dimension.

This exploratory study aims to identify which linguistic and typological features commonly associated with clickbait in online news headlines are indicative of clickbait in YouTube video titles. A comparative corpus analysis is conducted to compare YouTube video titles commonly associated with clickbait to titles not associated with clickbait. Results indicate that a majority of the typological and linguistic features associated with clickbait in online news headlines are found to be indicative of clickbait in YouTube video titles. However, the role which each of the features plays seems to differ to that of online news. The findings contribute to the understanding of clickbait in non-news contexts from a linguistics perspective, an area which has been relatively unexplored in the current literature.

Language education is directly related to the phenomenon of communication competence. This is important since the knowledge of foreign languages is intended to develop communication activities that are implemented in their nature. Communication competence is, however, a much broader concept, and in the context of language education, it not only refers to recipients (pupils) but also to broadcasters (teachers). This article presents the relationship between teachers’ activity in the field of mass media, their communication competence and social media. The purpose of this study is also to indicate the correlations between the opinions of teachers surveyed and the features of communication competence of students, as well as to assess the level of teachers’ competences. The methods used in this study included a questionnaire and interviews. A set of closed, open and mixed questions, as well as an in-depth interview based on a traditional questionnaire is included. It is difficult to prove the correlation between teachers’ communication and media competences and the effects of their work. Nevertheless, the high self-assessment of teachers’ competences seems to be related to the growing trend of English language skills in Polish society.

The classical distinction between the natural and the artificial is gradually losing its original sharpness. Biotechnology can be used not only for therapeutic purposes but also to enhance human cognitive, emotional, moral, or physical abilities. This article discusses three of the most important socio-ethical issues related to the impact of neuroenhancement on individuals and on society. It closely examines threats to the principle of autonomy in the case of two selected technologies for neuroenhancement: the Brain – Computer Interface and gene technologies applied to the enhancement of other beings. The article also discusses the influence of social pressure on autonomous decision-making by individuals and whether social pressure is a sufficient reason for not accepting neuroenhancement. Finally, within the context of many concerns about the widening of social inequality as the result of the spread of enhancement practices, this article examines whether such disparities can be avoided and whether the principle of equal opportunities can be regarded as a sufficient criterion of equality.