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Impact of media on Society
Impact of media on Society
Impact of media on Society
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The influence the mass media has in todays America is the strongest it has ever been. Never before has any country been more brainwashed by the images and voices of those behind a television or computer screen. Millions of people all over the country tune in everyday with blank stares on their faces, waiting to hear the 6 o’clock news or watch the newest Fox sitcom. In a sense we have become slaves to the screen, we allow our selves to be manipulated by all the information it provides us, which often times can be very harmful. Worst of all is the affect the mass media is having on the children of American. Like adults children are just as glued to their screens, if not more, as their parents. Today the American children live in a world in which …show more content…
It surrounds us all and provides the people with the entertainment and information there minds crave. The media may appear innocent and harmless, but those controlling what we see on the screens day after day are far more diabolical and clever then we can imagine. The media is a business, and in Dave Barry’s article, titled “Red White and Beer,” Barry talks about how the goal of the media, in terms of the business aspect, is to influence the viewers and turn them into consumers. Barry emphasizes that the media plays an influential role in how we live our lives, and has the power to influence the decisions we make on a daily basis. In Barry’s article he jokes about how the media fools Americans into thinking that drinking an American brewed beer makes you a true patriot. He says the beer companies do this by endorsing patriotic values into their commercials, in order to convince American citizens that drinking their beer makes you patriotic. For instance Barry says, “The airwaves are saturated with pro-American commercials. Especially popular are commercials in which the newly restored Statue of Liberty appears to be endorsing various products, as if she were Mary Lou Retton or somebody” (Barry 453). Barry’s point is that the media is taking advantage by turning symbols of American freedom into endorsements for beers and various American made products. Although Barry is humorous in his article he is quite …show more content…
Although this problem touches upon all age groups, some would argue that todays mass media is most damaging for young children. Ross believes that the impact the media has on young children is damaging to their growth and self-image. In Ross’s article she specifically talks about how Disney is placing negative messages in the minds of young girls. In regard to Disney, Ross says that, “In particular, most girls’ stories of this era promoted humility, devotion, punctuality, and tidiness, implying that adventure is something a nice girl would be wise to avoid” (Ross 474). As a result millions of young girls are taught from a young age the ridiculous notion that adventure is no place for a female. Companies cannot get away with broadcasting these kinds of messages, especially in this day and age. Girls of our generation should be taught that they are willing and able to guide their own paths, not coward behind stereotypes of the
Mass media controls the public like puppets. It affects everything a person does with their lives. Just like in Fahrenheit 451 we live in a society of fantasizers. We believe what the media tells us and to not question it but just go along with it. Media is everywhere whether we are aware of it or not.
Though obviously people are aware of what they are listening to or watching, thoughts and assumptions can drift into their minds without even realizing it. These thoughts that drift in are extremely influential. The massive impact it can have on America's perceptions leads to generalizations, assumptions, and stigmas. Media influence is not always negative, however. In most cases, it has beneficial and positive aspects.
Mattie Hernandez Ms. Poth Eng. IV. 1 5/5/14 The Media's Influence on Girls is Detrimental to their Health
...ironment. Young people use all kinds of media to find out who they are and what the world is like. The media is a powerful influence on children’s ideas and understanding of the world. If Disney continues to portray women with these stereotypical ideas, this endless cycle of gender roles will never be diminished.
The media, including television programming, cartoons, film, the news, as well as literature and magazines, is a very powerful and pervasive medium for expression. It can reach a large number of people and convey ideas, cultural norms, stereotypic roles, power relationships, ethics, and values. Through these messages, the mass media may have a strong influence on individual behavior, views, and values, as well as in shaping national character and culture. Although there is a great potential for the media to have a positive and affirming effect on the public and society at large, there may be important negative consequences when the messages conveyed are harmful, destructive, or violent.
Media can influence every home in America. Not only is it capable of influence through television, but it can influence through magazines, newspapers, word of mouth, even clothing! The qualities of a person media tends to influence most, is their self-esteem and personality. Women are especially seen as being influenced, but men are in the bunch as well, although less published. Children are being brought into the influence as well at younger ages each generation. With more media influence in families, we can expect more social problems.
Media's Effects: Child to Adult In today's culture young girls all across the world are growing up in very different situations; yet, one thing is always a constant, men being the superior. Katha Pollitt, an award- winning writer for magazines such as The Nation and New York Times, discusses how this divide between men and women shown by the media is critical in the upbringing of today’s youth. From princesses always needing saved to the cute little bunny with pink bows in the background these create the acceptance of a male made world. Much like Pollitt, Jean Kilbourne, EdD, is a marvelous writer who has been shocking many since the 60’s with her concepts on how advertizing degrades women of all ages and cultures.
The definition of mass media is “a means of communication that reaches large numbers of people in a short time, this can consist of the use of television, newspapers, magazine, and radio”, and within the last decade the internet as well. (HarperCollins) The media can actually be a minor or major effect on individuals depending on how or what their view is on the particular subject or matter. The effects it plays on individuals and societies will depend on the exposure to the subject matter at the time, but it effects all ages from young to old.
The mass media has played a key role in shaping people’s lives. The modern society’s use of mass media including TV, radio, newspaper, as well as print media has largely influenced people’s ideas regarding themselves and the society at large. This is evident from their behavior towards themselves and their community as well as their treatment of the environment. While some experts believe that the media is to blame for most of the negative behavioral traits among the active members of society, the majority agree that the media makes people understand and develop a positive sense of association with their society within which they live, making it easy for them to identify and get their role in it.
"People are more influenced by mass media than they think. What evidence is there to support this statement?"
The Mass Media has had a greater in influence on modern culture than either education or history.
In our democratic society, mass media is the driving force of public opinion. Media sources such as Internet, newspaper, news-broadcasts, etc, play significant roles in shaping a person’s understanding and perception about the events occurred in our daily lives. But how much influence does the mass media poses on our opinion? Guaranteed by the First Amendment in American Constitution, the media will always be there to inform us about the different events or issues they feel are important for the public. The media constantly bombards us with news, advertisements, etc, wher...
Mass media, including TV, radio, newspapers have a great influence on people and especially on the younger generation. It plays an important role in shaping the opinions and position of the younger generation. In the present, the younger generations are influenced by mass media, including TV, radio, and newspapers. They think this is the model for them because in daily life it is necessary for everyone, therefore, it is not unusual that it has a great influence on the people and especially on them. It plays an important role in shaping the opinions and position of the younger generation. The younger imitate the mass media and it has an impact on the younger on they way they dress, speak or behave.
In conclusion, I believe that Americans truly are relying on the media way too much in life. Why can't we live without the media? People have lived on this earth for thousands of years without it, why do we need it? That is the question that will stay around for years, but the worst thing is, the media world has just started to grow.
“The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses” (Thinkexist, 2010). The mass media, including news, movies, magazines, music, or other entertainment source has become a part of daily life for many people. As the quote mentions mass media and its power are capable of influencing people’s mind and behavior. Contents in the media introduced to young people make it difficult for them to distinguish between what is real and what is not, as a result stimulating confusion and blind imitation. The mass media plays an important role in the increase of violence, sexual activity, and risky behaviors among teenagers.