The original idea behind the creation of "mass media" was to entertain people but now all the media, including TV, newspapers, radio and magazines have a great influence in shaping people's ideas both for the better and for the worse.
One of major duties of media today is to inform people about the latest happening around the world. They cover all aspects of our interest like cinema, music, books, politics, science, fashion, etc. The need for more news has evolved into creation of dedicated TV & radio channels and magazines. People can listen, watch and read latest news whenever they want.
We cannot deny that mass media have a great contribution to shaping our ways of thinking and an important role in our attitude to life. Some people complained that children nowadays tend to be lazier and more violent. This is the result of bad programs shown on TV, video games and uncontrollable websites. People, especially teenagers, always have an idol and they tend to follow that their idols do and say no matter these things are good or bad.
On the other hand, the power of media is so huge, it can be used to educate people with very little cost. But unfortunately, because of money-making approach of media and lack of interest by government, very less work is done in spreading the education.
In conclusion, the media has the power of educating people, the good and the bad. Since it affects eyes, ears and minds simultaneously, can something or someone overcome the influence of the media?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCan anything overcome the influence of the mass media? Yup, yes. Actually, they've already done that - in the Internet. And their name is social networks.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, they're just more popular. Let's have a glance on the list of the most popular websites. The first news site appears on the 14 place preceded by 3 social networks. The following is even on the 36 rank, leaving 5 more blogging services and social networks before.
Secondly, there is an effect which the communication services produce: you feel closer to those with who you interact. For example, while listing through the posts of a community which interests you, you can catch up with ones that would affect your point of view better than the TV. And when it comes up to the direct communication, the effect becomes even worse: while chatting or arguing on a forum or a blog, you don't usually tend to think whether those who you talk to have purpose to change your view. Even your friends: I doubt that they should knowingly shape your mind, but in case their mind is shaped, they become one of the most effective weapons to influence on you.
So this is the thing, or, I would say, the weapon which is more effective than the media. Meet it. And better learn how to deal with it.