Summary of the Core Content
This news article focuses on a new book titled "Understanding Communication," discussing the recent changes in information dissemination: information is becoming increasingly stratified, AI has increased the volume of content but has also raised the importance of critical judgment, emerging professions (such as "card-drawing specialists") require humanistic skills, and so-called "traffic secrets" are often nothing more than unprovable forms of "algorithmic magic." The main message is that in the age of an information deluge and AI, communication studies can help us improve our ability to discern truth from falsehood and find a clear direction.
1. Why has Communication Studies Suddenly Become Popular? Because We’re Being Overwhelmed by Information
In the past, people were interested in economics, psychology, and anthropology; now it’s turn for communication studies. Why? Because information dissemination has become too fragmented, with everyone trapped within their own information bubbles. For example, during the World Cup, some people stay up late to watch live broadcasts, others browse short video compilations, and still others only look at trending searches. Platforms even create "voting lists" to break down information into smaller segments. As a result, you only see what you like, missing out on other perspectives and the big picture. This is where communication studies come in—helping us understand how information is transmitted, why we get trapped within these bubbles, and how to break free from them. Communication studies have gained popularity because people need guidance through this chaotic landscape of information.
2. In the Age of AI, Does Human Judgment Matter More Than AI? Indeed!
AI can do many things for us: write mathematical proofs, code programs, generate videos, but ultimately, it’s humans who make the final decisions. For instance, mathematician Terence Tao has mentioned that there are too many math papers written by AI, and they need to be reviewed by humans to verify their accuracy, which is a daunting task. The same goes for programming; although AI can write code quickly, there isn’t enough testing personnel to ensure there are no bugs. There are also emerging professions like "card-drawing specialists" (instruction engineers) who provide input to AI to generate video footage, but the final choice of which shots to use relies on human aesthetic judgment and critical thinking—people with a liberal arts background often excel in storytelling, emotion expression, and artistic skills, making them well-suited for this role. The more advanced AI becomes, the more crucial human judgment becomes; otherwise, even if AI generates a lot of content, it may be of little use.
3. Are "Traffic Secrets" Really Effective? Don’t Believe in That “Algorithmic Magic”
Many people want to become internet celebrities and learn about “traffic secrets”—such as when to start streaming or how often to update their content. However, these are just forms of “algorithmic magic.” Platform recommendation algorithms are essentially “black boxes” with proprietary rules that frequently change. The methods taught in training courses cannot be proven effective; they’re like the ancient belief that dancing would bring a good harvest—mere guesses. According to Liu Hailong, it’s better to return to common sense: understand your audience, create high-quality content, update regularly, and leverage trending topics. These strategies can help you maintain a basic level of success, but don’t let algorithms control your decisions. Platform traffic does determine success or failure, but algorithms are never transparent. Focus on creating excellent content; that’s the real key.
4. Is Information Stratification a Good Thing or a Bad Thing? It Has Both Positives and Negatives, but It Depends on You
Information dissemination is now stratified: dedicated enthusiasts watch live broadcasts, average users consume shortened versions, and those with weaker interests read text-only. The advantage is that everyone can get the information they want, making the content more diverse; the downside is that it can lead to people becoming confined within their own information cocoons. Liu Hailong sees this as a positive development, as it enriches the information landscape. However, the key lies in your ability to judge: can you break out of your bubble and see different perspectives? Can you discern useful information from the vast amount provided by AI?
5. What Should We Do?
In summary, here are two main points: First, learn about communication studies to understand how information is transmitted and improve your judgment. Second, don’t rely on algorithms or “traffic secrets”; focus on creating quality content and understanding your audience. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it can never replace human judgment and humanistic skills. After all, the final decisions—whether to choose a particular video shot or believe a piece of information—always rest with you.