User:Mjvalverde/Wikipedia Gap Analysis (Silver)

Part One: Gap Analysis
TED Talks are thought of as a new way of knowledge mobilization in a digitally-dominated society, where diverse and complex topics are discussed through “storytelling” (“TED (conference)”). However, in the Wikipedia article on TED Talks, there is little attention given to their implications, with criticisms focusing mostly on the logistics and economics of TED conferences. Scholars like Christopher Shea highlight that, while the process of knowledge transmission provided by TED Talks is generally depicted in a positive light, there are negative ramifications that should be given further scrutiny.

The fact that criticisms of TED Talks are not comprehensively covered in the Wikipedia article suggests that listeners may not be aware that TED Talks offer a limited facet of a given reality, deterring audiences from creating educated opinions.TED’s focus on “feel good” solutions to stimulate audience attention can also mean oversimplification of complex issues. This gap within the TED talks description is also supported by Denksus et al. in their research on communication theory. The scholars mention that even if the talks themselves are a new concept, the topics discussed “remain embedded in a liberal market ideology” (Denksus 178). Moreover, Denksus et al. talk about the fact that the talks still focus on an individual perspective of receiving information and not a collective organization movement where the information is translated into action (179). Based on these criticisms, public circulation of knowledge is portrayed as one-sided where the presenters share their ideas to the audience and beyond this point no action is done. With TED presenters acting as an initial source of information, it is necessary to critically assess the context and consequences of this innovative type of knowledge dissemination.

Works Cited

Denskus, Tobias and Daniel E. Esser. "TED Talks On International Development: Trans-Hegemonic Promise And Ritualistic Constraints". Commun Theor 25.2 (2015): 166-187. Web.

Shea, Christopher. "The New Academic Celebrity". The Chronicle of Higher Education. N.p., 2014. Web. 22 Aug. 2016.

"TED (conference)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.

Part Two: Proposed Wikipedia Entry
TED Talks have been criticized by several scholars for oversimplification of complex issues to cater towards audience sentiment, aiming to give listeners a sense of inspiration, without providing comprehensive discussions. Lilie Chouliaraki, a professor at the London School of Economics, stated in 2013, that digital and visual presentation formats, such as TED Talks, merely give audiences a sense of accomplishment for becoming aware of specific issues, instead of encouraging commitments to long term solutions. Evgeny Morozov, a writer and researcher of political and social implications of technology, argues that instead of fostering concrete plans of action, TED provides a cycle of ideas, publicity and projects that do not translate into substantial responses.

Christopher Shea acknowledges the fact that TED Talks have provided a new form of direct communication between academics and public audiences, but claims that there is a lack of diversity in the topics discussed. Cassidy R. Sugimoto also argues that there is a lack of variety of the TED presenters. In a study published in 2013, Sugimoto et al found that the majority of presenters were non-academic males and also that the presentations featuring male presenters and academics were more frequently viewed.

Frank J. Lechner and John Boli go beyond inspirational topic selections, suggesting that, in general, TED talks dictate what is considered of global importance and direct constant attention to specific topics while undermining others.

Wendy Quarry and Ricardo Ramirez suggest that TED conferences are based on a one-way model of transmission of knowledge in which spaces for engagement and debate are not provided. Consequently, the audience lacks the contextual framework needed to properly comprehend and execute the details transmitted to them.