STEVEN KONG
Contextual and Theoretical Studies
2. ‘Critically discuss how new media have blurred the lines between media consumers and producers’ or ‘why do we over-consume’. Critically discuss with reference to relevant theory
Why Do We Over-Consume?
By
Steven Kong
The simple question “Why do we over-consume?” will never be the question society will ask itself, mainly because it has become part of being human.
Society in the early stages had basic and non-effective ways of gathering resources, so those who were able to produce enough for themselves and their family flourished through evolution because of this, we, as human beings, never developed a trait which limited consumption. One of human natures greatest need is to acquire a mate, (Penn and Mysterud) argues that for male gender ‘resource control is likely to be more important’ when acquiring a partner. Meaning without the proper social status and resources, you will not have the best choice in finding a mate. A great example of this is birds, some birds would go through a great deal of energy to express their colour...
In assessing the impact and effect of popular cultural forms like MTV, it is important to acknowledge the extent to which, rather than having them imposed upon us, we may instead appropriate or assimilate parts, whilst choosing to reject or ignore the rest. This, of course, has the consumer or viewer acting (or perhaps more accurately interacting) as opposed to simply passively receiving (Philo par 16).Even though critics of MTV stand strongly against the passive consumer, th...
The structure of this essay is based on animals and humans mate choice strategies and gender differences and similarities. These factors are intertwined with males and females reproduction success for choosing the right mate and bearing the parental cost involved in the offspring upbringing. (Trivers, 1972, 1985).Animal males from the evolutionary perspectives seek fertile, strong, females as a security for their offspring reproduction. These males’ strategize for their mate choice by advertising their masculinity as men ready for a mate. (Buss & Barnes, 1986; Buss, 1987).The female animals chooses mate base on their sense of security so they prefer males capable to protect and bear the cost of parenting with them.(Trivers,1972).In humans, females prefer wealthy men with high status as mate (Bjorklund & shackleford, 1999; Buss, 1992) whereas males prefer to date young attractive females who considers as fertile with the ability for genes reproduction.
Kenrick’s ideas are supported by Buss’ 1994 experiment. Buss surveyed men and women in thirty seven countries to investigate important qualities in the opposite sex. The findings showed that women preferred resourcefulness and dependability whereas men valued chastity and youth. This study appears to support Kenrick’s “Parental Investment Theory” as Buss argues that men evolved to provide for their partners and are attracted to fertile women.
consumption and even further.” Our current global food system is not sustainable. It does not
In Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, he proposed that we focus on the way each medium changes cultures and traditions and reshapes social life, rather than the content. He describes the content of the medium as a “juicy piece of meat carried by the burglar to distract the watchdog of the mind.” (McLuhan, 32). To him, focusing on the medium was important because he believed that different types of media change the balance of our senses. We start isolating and highlighting different senses.
Mass media is very influential. There have been many issues and policies that have been affected by mere media coverage. Since there is a freedom of the press, the media is always present to cover the news and report it to the public. The intention of giving media freedom is good because it is aimed at creating balance inside the society. However, media coverage does not always bring good effects to the issues. There are times when news that should be confidential is released to the public, therefore breaking the secrecy needed for that issue. There are also times when incidents are reported in a bad and biased way that manipulates how people feel about the issue, therefore creating major conflicts. Mass media not only influences the public but also the people’s identity. People think differently because of what is being seen and advertised in the media.
Ott, B. L, & Mack, R. L. (2010). Critical media studies: An introduction. Malden, MA: Wiley-
In conclusion, the reason why people are overweight is because of the sugar and artificial products. If they start to eat natural foods instead of man made foods, you will have physical health to the max. If you have good physical health, you get good mental/emotional health. If you have good mental/emotional health, you will have good social health. Finally, if you have good social health, you then go back to good physical health. By having all sides of the triangle, it gives you the best health and will make your life full of happiness. But the reason why people are continuing to buy man made products is because they don’t know the reason why they became overweight. If they realize what they are consuming every day, they could change their view on man made foods and consider eating natural products.
...ely available and accessible from everywhere. New media has introduced innovative platforms and ways to consume media products, they have been embedded into our social context that we are unaware of the different ways we are constantly relying on technology. This leads us to call for more contemporary studies towards new media audiences for a more in-depth analysis and how they have merged the different contexts of media consumption.
The movie Invictus brings up several key points about the media in everyday life. One of the most prominent points brought up in the film is that sports have the power to bring people together and unite them with a common goal. Sports are an enormous part of the media and cultures all over the world. Whether it be the Super-bowl, World Cup, or Olympics, millions of people continue to unite and cheer for the teams they support. The reason in which sports often unites people is that it gives people something in common with one another. No matter what race, age, or gender, people of all types enjoy watching and supporting sports teams which is why it is such a powerful means to unite people.
Each year the evolution of technology continues to grow more and more advancing with time. Media not only plays an enormous role in society but it’s become a part of our individual being and our lifestyle. The issue of the media is that it has interfered with one of the most important elements regarding any type of relationship that being communication. Its not only communication but the media has placed a hold on societies life, instead of being productive we choose to watch television not for just a show but for a full season in one sitting or instead of completing our math homework were able to go and plug the questions into a search engine. The extent of this matter has affected the United States whole heartedly in so many ways. It’s become impossible to not communicate and not come in contact with the media.
...veryday foods require a lot of energy and release a lot of greenhouse gases to produce. This is the reason we should stop wasting the foods, consume less meat, and eat more locally grown food.
If one asked “What is media literacy?” a majority of people would be puzzled. Some would say that it is the ‘written’ part of media that is not usually seen or a written layout of how media should be produced. The bulk of people would say they have no idea what media literacy is. People in today’s society should be informed about media literacy. Society should be informed of what media literacy exactly is and how it applies to the field of communications.
Media is the most powerful sector of an economy. It is a tool to maintain a balanced society which is characterized by well informed people, effective democracy and social justice. In fact, media has unparallel influence on all aspects of human life in modern times.
“How long you figure before we save up and get the fourth wall torn out and the fourth wall-TV installed?" If I think of the future of media I remember this quotation from Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”. Will television remain an important part of mass media or will the Internet kill it? What role are mobile devices going to play and what about movies in 2020?