Most of our decisions, beliefs, and values are based on what we know for a fact, our assumptions and our own experiences. People at work usually know what to do based on experience and studies, but in our daily lives we rely on the media to get the current news and facts about what is important and what we should be aware of.
Of all the media distribution channels the most influential has been the television, we are constantly exposed to thousands of images of violence, advertising, sex, celebrities, and much more. As a kid is growing up the people around him/her are their role models. Whether it is right or wrong, a child will observe what their "role model" does and repeat it themselves. Allowing a child to watch violence on TV may give them the idea that it’s acceptable and increase their aggression.
So why does the power of mass media work? For young people especially, they are in a stage of their life were they want to be accepted by their peers, they want to be loved, and they want to be successful. The media creates an ideal image of beautiful men and women, and what the characteristics are of those successful people. It’s a subliminal way of telling you that if you’re not like them, you are not "cool" yet. So it’s time to buy the stuff they buy and look the way they look.
Many women are struggling with anorexia and obesity. While they are exposed to many advertisements for junk food at the same time the media gives an ideal image of a successful person being thin and wealthy. Also, more women are obsessed with losing weight even when they are not obese. There are many thin women that want to look like the supermodels on TV and get involved with eating disorders which can lead to severe health issues.
Another source of negative influence is the radio. Though when you’re cruising along through town and may not really be listening to lyrics or for that matter thinking about what you are singing. You allow yourself to be exposed to such negative material. Why are we encouraging sexual promiscuity, drugs, alcohol, and profanity if there’s no positive outcome from them?
No matter what age you are, paying attention and limiting yourself to the media influence is a great idea. Listening to some ones opinion isn’t always bad, but don’t let someone fool you into thinking it’s necessarily right.
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