The Evolution of Media

1314 Words3 Pages

The media has become a comfortable staple and commodity to the global lives it touches inadvertently and significantly. But what is this incontrovertible influence? It is the radio, newspapers, television broadcasts, such as CNN and MTV; entertaining and informational, the media is a valuable asset to all. How it came about was during the pivotal 20th century where skies were filled with airplane raids and on land there were people full of fear, telling stories of the everlasting wars. The innate fear of world domination by Nazis and annihilation of all mankind by atomic weapons were major driving forces to create the media; people wanted the answers to their questions and needed to be informed of the global chaos. However, as time pressed and peace ensued, the media was then put to use as a source of entertainment, coinciding with the greater access to leisure activities. Albeit, the actual origins of this monumental addition to society is far more in depth; economic, political, and social tensions were key factors to spark the mass media during the 20th century, making it a social staple and thereafter the opportunity given by freedom ignited the entertainment business which, unfortunately, has now been stifled by new social corruptions. In the beginning, the sole method of communication was through newspapers and physical, oral recitations. Once the world entered World War I (WWI), in 1914, everyone fervently searched for answers about the war: Which country will be invaded next? How many have died? What will happen tomorrow? Are we near the end? Because of these apprehensions, the newspaper became an information powerhouse that absolutely anyone had access to. During this time, it was usual for newspapers to be pr... ... middle of paper ... ...ic, esteem, and social corruption. The pros and cons weigh themselves equally. For example, the media allowed for imperative information to be distributed to apprehensive citizens throughout the span of World War I and World War II, when the world was in dire need to be informed of current events. However, once these horrendously destructive wars came to an end, the plight to escape the aftermath and forget the atrocities of war ensued, which is when leisure media evolved. Because of all the efforts in post-war clean-ups, people turned to the media for entertainment and for lighthearted pleasure. Unfortunately, too much attention paid to the television is what led today’s social recession and made it what it is now. Albeit, needless to say, that through the ups and downs of history, mass media played a very monumentally influential and integral part of it all.

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