Media Critic Honor

Missionary & Community Activities

Requirements

  1. Who was the first being in the universe to use the power of the word for his own benefit, and what were his plans?

    Answer: The first was LUCIFER (Satan), before the fall. In heaven, he used words to plant distrust and discontent among the angels against God, as in Revelation 12:7-9, Isaiah 14:12-14, and Ezekiel 28:12-17. — The key text Isaiah 14:13-14 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God... I will be like the Most High' reveals five 'I wills' of Lucifer — declarations of self-exaltation that show how the word was the first weapon to start the cosmic conflict.

  2. What are the objectives of advertising and how can it be used for evil?

    Answer: Goals of advertising: (1) to inform about products, ideas, or people; (2) to persuade and convince; (3) to sell products and services; (4) to influence opinions and behaviors; (5) to build and strengthen images and brands. How it can be used for evil: spreading fake news and lies to manipulate public opinion; creating artificial needs and consumerism; encouraging addictions (smoking, alcohol, gambling); exploiting fears, vanity, and desires to sell; promoting immoral standards, violence, or ideologies contrary to Christian principles; and manipulating emotions to deceive and delude people (deceptive advertising). The Bible itself shows Satan using deceptive 'advertising' (Genesis 3) to lead Eve into sin. — Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's propaganda minister in Nazi Germany, is considered the creator of modern mass propaganda — his phrase 'a lie repeated a thousand times becomes truth' is still studied today in communication schools as an example of the destructive power of media manipulation.

  3. Fulfill one of the following:
    • Read three chapters of the book "Nos bastidores da mídia" (CPB);
    • Watch a documentary about the influence of the media and/or social networks;
    • With the help of your counselor or instructor, choose and read a book about the influence of the media and/or social networks;
    • Attend a lecture about the influence of the media and/or social networks.

    Answer: Choose one of the options: (1) Read 3 chapters of the book 'Nos Bastidores da Mídia' (Casa Publicadora Brasileira), reflecting on media influences; (2) Watch a documentary on media influence (e.g.: 'The Social Dilemma' on Netflix, 'The Great Hack', 'Dark Side of the Ring'). — The documentary 'The Social Dilemma' (Netflix, 2020) brings together former employees of Google, Facebook, and Twitter denouncing addictive algorithms — it became a global reference in media education and was watched by more than 100 million people worldwide in just a few months.

  4. What is fake news? How can we verify whether a news story is false or true?

    Answer: Fake news are false news items, deliberately fabricated or distorted, created to deceive, manipulate public opinion, generate panic, defame someone, or go viral (often for political or financial interest). How to check whether a news item is false or true: 1) Check the source: is the site/outlet known and reliable? Does it have an identified author and date? 2) Be suspicious of sensationalist headlines, in ALL CAPS, with many exclamation marks, or that ask you to 'share urgently'; 3) Cross-check the information against 2 or 3 different and serious journalistic outlets — if only one dubious 'portal' published it, it is suspicious; 4) Consult fact-checking agencies (Lupa, Aos Fatos, Boatos.org, Comprova, AFP Checamos, e-farsas, Snopes); 5) Verify the date and the context (old news reappears out of context); 6) Do a reverse image search (Google Images, TinEye) to see whether the photo was taken from another place/time; 7) Check whether other people/sites have already debunked it; 8) Be careful with WhatsApp audios and chain messages without a source. When in doubt, do not share. — Agência Lupa, the first Brazilian fact-checker, was founded in 2015 — since then others such as Aos Fatos, AFP Checamos, and Boatos.org have specialized in debunking fake news; together they form part of the international network IFCN (International Fact-Checking Network).

  5. Watch or read two reports on the same subject in two different newspapers/magazines/websites. Analyze whether there are discrepancies between the information presented by the journalists.

    Answer: Choose a current event (e.g.: politics, science, sports) and read it in 2 different sources (e.g.: Folha vs Estadão; G1 vs CNN Brasil; UOL vs R7). Analyze discrepancies: (1) Different headlines? (same news, opposite angles). — A study by Manchete Brasil (Universidade Federal Fluminense) shows that Brazilian outlets have identifiable editorial biases even in the verbs they use — words like 'admit' (suggesting guilt) vs 'declare' (neutral) reveal the angle chosen by the journalist for the same statement.

  6. What is the content rating system for television programs in your country like?

    Answer: In Brazil, the system is managed by the Ministry of Justice (DEJUS) with 6 age ranges: L (General, all ages), 10 years, 12 years, 14 years, 16 years, and 18 years. It evaluates 3 criteria: violence, sexuality/nudity, drugs. — The Brazilian content rating system was established by the 1988 Constitution and regulated by Ordinance MJ 1.189/2014 — the system is merely indicative (guidance for parents), not restrictive, except for 18-rated programs that cannot be aired before 11 p.m.

  7. What principles should a Christian use to choose a movie/series to watch?

    Answer: Principles based on Philippians 4:8 ('whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue, and praise — think on these things') and on 1 Corinthians 10:31 ('do everything for the glory of God'). Practical application when choosing a movie/series: 1) Check the content rating and the synopsis before watching; 2) Avoid content with gratuitous violence, explicit sex, nudity, immorality, occultism/spiritism, magic, and foul language/blasphemy; 3) Ask: what does this movie exalt? Does it glorify sin or good values? 4) Evaluate the central message and the values conveyed — whether they contradict Christian principles; 5) Consider the effect on the mind and emotions (fear, anxiety, wrong desires); 6) Watch the time spent, so as not to replace communion with God, family, and study; 7) Respect the holiness of the Sabbath, choosing edifying content on that day; 8) When in doubt, apply the principle: 'if I cannot invite Jesus to watch with me, I should not watch it'. — The Plugged In ministry (part of Focus on the Family) has been an evangelical Christian reference in the critical analysis of films since 1990 — it produces detailed reviews scoring violence, sex, language, and the spiritual message of each release, helping Christian families.

  8. Analyze the following genres and describe how the movies in each of them generally contradict the principles of Christian living:
    • Horror;
    • Drama;
    • Comedy;
    • Action/Adventure;
    • Animation.

    Answer: How each genre tends to contradict the principles of Christian living: 1) HORROR: glorifies fear, occultism, the demonic, death, and morbid violence (contradicts 2 Tim. 1:7, 'God has not given us the spirit of fear', and Phil. 4:8, which commands us to think on what is pure and lovely); 2) THRILLER/CRIME: can trivialize violence, crime, and revenge, feeding anxiety; 3) DRAMA: can normalize illicit romances, adultery, betrayal, lies, and revenge as a solution, presenting sin in a sympathetic way; 4) ACTION: tends to exalt violence, revenge, and vigilante justice as heroism; 5) COMEDY: often bases its humor on sexual immorality, swear words, mockery of the sacred, and ridicule of people; 6) ROMANCE: tends to idealize passions outside marriage, sensuality, and immoral relationships; 7) SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY: can promote evolutionism, pantheism, magic, superpowers, and worldviews that deny God the Creator; 8) FANTASY MOVIES WITH MAGIC/WITCHCRAFT: present sorcery and occultism in a positive way, going against the clear biblical condemnation (Deut. 18:10-12). The principle that governs all of them is Philippians 4:8. — Plugged In studies analyzed more than 6,000 films — they found that even 'harmless' children's animations have on average 30% questionable elements for children (mild occultism, distorted values, behavior models), a figure that surprises many Christian parents.

  9. Analyze the cartoon characters that you usually/used to watch. What are the main characteristics of their "personality"? (For example: violent, thieves, lazy, vengeful, summoners of dark forces, etc.). What kind of influence can these characters bring to children's minds?

    Answer: List the main cartoons you usually watch and their personality characteristics. Common examples: SpongeBob (out of touch, infantilized, irresponsible), Woody Woodpecker (chaos, sadism, disrespect), Tom & Jerry (trivialized mutual violence), Yu-Gi-Oh!/Pokémon (summoning of supernatural beings/monsters), Adventure Time and Steven Universe (magic, occult powers), superheroes (taking justice into one's own hands, revenge). Type of influence on children's minds: 1) Imitation — the child copies lines, gestures, and behaviors seen on the screen (aggressiveness, disrespect toward parents, trickery); 2) Trivialization of violence and evil — they come to think it is normal to hit, deceive, steal, or take revenge; 3) Desensitization — they lose the sense of right and wrong, finding others' wickedness funny; 4) Openness to occultism/spiritism — cartoons with magic, spells, and summoning of beings present the forbidden supernatural (Deut. 18:10-12) as fun and harmless; 5) Formation of inverted values — laziness, consumerism, rebellion, and dishonesty become role models; 6) Fear and anxiety — scenes of horror or suspense disturb the child's emotional state; 7) Theft of time — it replaces play, reading, family, and communion with God. That is why the Christian should filter what the child watches, applying Philippians 4:8. — The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less than 1 hour/day of screen time for children aged 2-5 because of the cognitive impact demonstrated in longitudinal studies — prolonged exposure to violent cartoons correlates with greater physical aggressiveness in adolescence.

  10. What principles should a Christian use to choose music to listen to?

    Answer: Principles for the Christian to choose music: 1) Lyrics: they should be edifying, true, and pure, glorifying God or exalting virtues (Phil. 4:8) — avoid lyrics with immorality, sensuality, drugs, alcohol, violence, hatred, swear words, occultism, or that demean God; 2) Rhythm/melody: it should be balanced and harmonious; excessively heavy, repetitive, frenetic, and dissonant beats can excite the nerves, dominate reason, and arouse lower emotions and passions; 3) Effect on the mind and body: music should lift thoughts to God and bring peace, not agitation, sensuality, or rebellion; 4) Associations: be mindful of the style, the artists, and the environment linked to that music (parties, nightclubs, addictions); 5) Purpose: music should draw one closer to God and strengthen character, especially in worship and on the Sabbath, when reverent hymns and praises are preferred; 6) Balance: control the time and volume, so that music does not replace communion with God or harm hearing. Summary principle: 'do everything for the glory of God' (1 Cor. 10:31). — Studies by Dr. John Diamond ('Behavioural Kinesiology') and Dr. Manfred Clynes showed that intense syncopated rhythms (heavy rock) reduce muscle strength by 50% — a scientific basis for the Adventists' caution in Messages to Young People (Ellen White) regarding music.

  11. What principles should a Christian use to choose games (electronic/board)?

    Answer: Principles for the Christian to choose games (electronic or board): 1) Content: avoid games with explicit violence (shooting, fighting, blood, death), occultism, magic, summoning of spirits/demons, sexual content, betting, and games of chance (which encourage greed and addiction); 2) Content rating: respect the age range; 3) Time: control it so that the game does not create addiction or steal hours of sleep, study, family, exercise, and communion with God; 4) Values and message: prefer games that develop reasoning, strategy, creativity, cooperation, and good relationships, instead of aggressive competition, cheating, and individualism; 5) Effect on character and emotions: observe whether the game generates irritation, aggressiveness, anxiety, or isolation; 6) Online company and environment: be careful with chats, strangers, and exposure of data, especially for children; 7) Sabbath: do not use ordinary entertainment games, dedicating the day to spiritual activities and to nature; 8) Spending: avoid microtransactions and impulsive purchases within games. Summary principle: everything I do should glorify God and edify (Phil. 4:8; 1 Cor. 10:31). — The WHO recognized 'gaming disorder' as a mental condition in 2018 — characterized by loss of control, prioritizing gaming over other vital activities, and continuing despite negative consequences; it affects about 3% of frequent gamers.

  12. What should a Christian's attitude on social media be regarding what they post, read, comment on, and share? Should this attitude be different on the Sabbath?

    Answer: Christian attitude on social media: 1) Posting — only edifying, true content that glorifies God; do not overexpose your life, do not seek vanity/likes, no gossip, immorality, or unnecessary controversy; 2) Reading — with discernment, avoiding harmful content (pornography, violence, fake news, hatred); 3) Commenting — with respect and love, without offending, defaming, fighting, or humiliating; be a light and a good witness; 4) Sharing — only what has been verified, true, edifying, and useful, never chain messages, lies, or dubious content. Principle: everything should glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 4:8) and be a good Christian witness. Yes, the attitude should be different on the Sabbath: the Sabbath is a holy day (Ex. 20:8-11), set apart for rest, worship, and communion with God and family. On it the Christian should avoid social media for ordinary, commercial, or worldly entertainment purposes, giving place to spiritual and edifying content (messages, verses, praises, devotionals) and prioritizing the real relationship with God and the church over the cell phone. — Studies from the University of Pennsylvania (Hunt, 2018) showed that reducing social media use to 30 min/day decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety in students — a scientific basis for the Adventist principle of Sabbath digital rest that values real relationships.

  13. Keep a diary for one week of how much time you spent on the following activities:
    • Watching/reading news;
    • Watching movies/series/cartoons;
    • Watching other television programs;
    • Listening to music;
    • Reading fiction;
    • Playing video games;
    • Using social networks.

    Answer: Create a spreadsheet or notebook with 7 columns (days of the week) and 7 rows (categories: news, movies/series, other programs, music, fiction literature, video games, social media). — The average 'screen time' of Brazilian adolescents reaches 9 hours a day according to a 2023 Datafolha survey — this self-awareness exercise is the first step toward the conscious change of digital habits recommended by psychologists.

  14. Memorize and explain Philippians 4:8.

    Answer: Philippians 4:8: 'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things'. — These 8 criteria form a practical test applied to any media: 'is this movie/song/post true? pure? virtuous?' — if the answer is 'no' to most of them, there is a red flag for the Christian who is conscious about their media consumption.