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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
When I first heard the word "jeans" in the context of media, I first thought about some extravagant jeans or a new fashion trend. But later I realized that this word has a completely different meaning and is related to journalism and the media space.
So what is "jeans"? It turns out to be a slang term used to refer to hidden advertising or commissioned material in the media. In other words, it is paid content that is passed off as editorial material. Such articles, reports or news are not marked as advertising, but are presented under the guise of independent journalism, which misleads readers.
Origin of the term
It is interesting that the exact origin of the term "jeans" is not known for sure, but there are several versions. One is that in the early 1990s, journalists received money for such materials in denim envelopes. Another version says that "jeans" comes from the English word "jeans", which means "jeans", and indicates something invisible, familiar, like denim clothes.
Forms and examples of "jeans"
"Jeans" can take different forms. These can be articles, news, interviews, reports that promote the interests of a certain company, political party or individual. The main feature of "jeans" – is the lack of designation that the material is advertising or sponsored.
Example 1: Political "jeans"
During election campaigns, you can often find "jeans" in the form of articles that praise one candidate and criticize his competitors. For example, social media can publish a series of materials about the achievements of a certain politician without indicating that these materials were ordered by his campaign headquarters.
Example 2: Commercial "jeans"
A company can pay to publish positive reviews about its product or service. For example, a blogger has an article about a new cosmetic that "changed his life". In fact, it can be ordered material for which the blogger received money.
Why is "jeans" a problem?
The main problem with "jeans" is that it undermines trust in the media. Readers and viewers perceive such materials as independent journalistic investigations or expert opinions, when in fact they are hidden advertising. This distorts the perception of objectivity and impartiality of the media.
In addition, "jeans" violates the ethical standards of journalism. By standards, any advertising material must be clearly marked as advertising. Hidden advertising misleads information consumers and creates unequal conditions in the media and advertising market.
How to recognize "jeans"?
Recognizing "jeans" may not be easy, but there are several signs that can help:
- Lack of criticism: If the material is unequivocally positive and does not contain any criticism, it can be a sign of "jeans".
- Overbragging: If an article or report contains a lot of praise and looks like an advertisement but is not marked as such, it can be a "jeans".
- Unusual appearance of materials: if materials about the same person or company begin to appear very often and without obvious news value, this may be a sign of commissioned publications.
- Absence of the author: anonymous articles or materials without a clearly indicated author can be "jeans".
"Jeans" is a major challenge in today's media space, but by raising awareness and implementing clear journalism standards, we can take steps towards a more transparent and honest media space.
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