Do we get the media we want, or want the media we get?

Between the two relationships media and society, we look at two models. The two models that the textbook written by O’shaughnessy & Stadler include: media reflect the realities, values, and norms of a society versus media affects what people think (p.42) Based on my experience, I believe that media does affect what people think, what they believe, and how they behave. Instead of society creating a path for media, I do think that media affects our society and controls the direction of society. At times, I would compare media as a powerful weapon such as a gun that’s in the wrong hands that could be triggered anytime.

According to the textbook Media and Society, this model believes that “the media construct our values for us and have a direct effect on our actions” (p.43) On average, one will watch television for 8 hours, however, one may not consider the influence that it has on us. The news that we watch and hear every day helps us stay connected, however, the media could easily influence your behaviour and thoughts of a story. That said, let’s take the 9/11 attack of the twin towers, after the event, so many people have looked down on Muslims because of the way media portrayed them. This shows how media affects how and what we learn about the world.

When mentioned earlier as media being a power weapon, by this I mean that the message that is being conveyed is not always direct but it is rather hidden. Although they are not exactly telling you what is considered the norm, we know what the media is presenting to us and what is considered acceptable. For example, what we should wear, how we should look and what we should buy. Although, one may not feel the same way, I do find that at times people start to adjust and adapt what media presents to them to fit in. Now a days, to not have a smart phone would sometimes be look down upon and be considered uncool.

All in all, I do believe media creates a path for us. By this I mean media does affect what people think, what they believe, and how they behave. Therefore I believe we want the media we get.

-       Ingga