Living in a society that depends mostly upon technology for news, entertainment and education, the mass media is one of the greatest influential factors on the opinions and viewpoints of the younger generation. Some examples of media influences include magazines, internet, television, books and radio. All of these sources help shape the beliefs of what social life, culture, religion, or politics should be in the minds of younger people, sometimes at unrealistic standards. The mass media is a very helpful and relatively quick way to gain knowledge and insight as to what is going on in the world.
The media like television, radio and the Internet increase the overall awareness of the masses. They enhance the general knowledge by providing us with information from all over the world. News broadcast through different media helps us know about the day-to-day events in the world. News, tele-films and documentaries revolving around social issues increase a social awareness. Research has revealed that media is responsible for influencing a major part of our daily life. Media contribute to a transformation in the cultural and social values of the masses. Media can bring about a change in the attitudes and beliefs of the common man. The persuasive nature of the content presented over media influences the thoughts and behavior of the general public. Media has a direct impact over the lifestyle of society. The recent advent of blogging in the media world and practices like public polls and citizen journalism, have led to the achievement of a social control. These concepts have strengthened the relationship between the media and the common man. They have brought the general masses closer to their society. Media has brought about a major transformation in the way people think. Media has given them an excellent platform to present themselves before the world and contribute in their own way to the changing world scenario. Media has been responsible for making the world a smaller place to live.
Thus Media has served as a boon to mankind.but as every coin has two side media has its negative impact on the society also.
The media affects the way we act and think. It has a profound influence on the behavior of its audience. When people try to imitate something we had seen or heard, are they capable enough to distinguish between right from wrong? Young people often imitate their role models blindly. What is being highlighted in the entertainment industry is the wrongdoings of these celebrities whom the young people idolize. And because they are heroes in the youth’s minds, they are still celebrated despite the bad behavior they have been showing to the public. This highlighting of the media is a negative effect on society. They satiate the people’s hunger for trivial information and rumors. They create buzz by hyping the issues with flowery words and provoking descriptions. Controversies are created left and right to get the attention of people. Another negative influence of media is eating disorders. A significant number of youth nowadays are suffering from eating disorders attributable to unhealthy lifestyles that are emerging. The television programs, movies, and even print materials often showcase this lifestyle as fun activities despite their negative effect on health. Media hypes the acceptability of vices.
It has also been observed that children nowadays do not do the same activities as children of before. Instead of reading books, studying, playing outdoors with other children, and engaging in social activities, they end up being cooped up in their rooms watching television. And because of technological advancements and the availability of gadgets to young people, these children end up spending a significant amount of time in front of their computers and handheld video games. Because Internet is readily available to children, they end up reading and learning things, which are not suitable for their age. They get exposed to indecency and inappropriate acts. They become wrapped up in a different world—a world of fantasy. The changes in the behavior and outlook of people towards life are attributable to the negative psychological effects of media. Changes in cultural and moral values have been observed. Many people believe that what is depicted by the media is true and acceptable, altering their judgment and causing altercations. The negative influences of media are vast. It affects the physical self, the emotions, the psychological aspect, and even the spiritual stand of many people. One negative influence can trigger another negative effect and this can cause a chain of reaction leading to destruction of relationships in society.
Contradicting, view inflicting, sharp vindicating that is you. Patronizing, soul disguising, yet appetizing that is you. Forming dusty, lusty dreams, ripping hope at the seams that is you. Complicated, aggravated, frustrated and hated that is you. Creating rebels, lovers, fighters and others that is you. Lying, prying and successfully dying that is you. Tantalizing, society miser, capitalizing that is sometimes you. Intrigue me, manipulate me, make my mind at ease What does the media do to you?
That is up to you to decide……
Henna K of XII - B
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