CPCF 1F25: Wanted: The media that we need

This week we were asked the question, does media better inform us of different matters in our world. I believe that this question connects with last weeks question, do we get the media we want, or want the media we get. Personally, I feel that the media has the opportunity to better inform us on different social, political, cultural, and economic matters, however it all comes down to what media we choose to expose ourselves to. For example, if an individual chooses to follow the news, then they are obviously going to educate themselves on world events, which in conclusion, will make them better informed.

           

Mavisan Jeet explains that, “Media is geared towards both the young and old and people from all different walks of life” (http://mavisanjeet.wordpress.com) (1). No matter what your age, there are certain medias that are directed towards your age group. The media seeks to meet the needs of all its consumers, by giving us what we desire. I believe that it safe to say that “we are in control of the media, rather then the media is in control of us.”

Jess Dowdall further explains that, “everyone is drawn to the type of media that incorporates their likes and interests whether its beauty, fashions, sports, celebrity gossip, everyday news, and so on” (http://jessdowdall19.wordpress.com) (2). Essentially, we consume any type of media that we are interested in. No matter what type of media we choose to expose ourselves to, I believe that we do take in new information that can educate us on our different interests.

In today’s day and age, technological improvements allow for anyone to view different types of media, at any time. Mackenzie C states that, “in modern industrialized society, messages are transmitted through the technological means of the world wide web, print, film, digital technologies, mobile phones, computer systems, and so on” (http://mc13ux.wordpress.com) (3). This endless source of technology allows us to seek information that we wouldn’t get without it. It furthers our social capabilities and strengthens our education. Without the use of technology, we wouldn’t be able to take in the infinite amount of information that we take in on a daily basis.

Some people may argue that we have too much exposure to these technologies, and with new developments, we over use these resources. I believe this is true because we are too technologically dependent and rely heavily on these sources in our everyday lives. Nonetheless, these assets will continue to impact our lives and how we view media. Overall I believe our media choices better inform us on different areas of interests, which are accessible wherever, and whenever.

CPCF 1F25: The media we want?

We are constantly surrounded by mass media in our everyday lives. That being said, an important question we can ask ourselves is: “Do we get the media we want, or want the media we get?” Personally, I believe that we get the media we want, because we are in control of what we take in - view, listen to, read, etc. Sure the mass media provides us with information on world news, pop culture, and popular tv shows/movies, but it is our choice as consumers to view/listen to the advertised products.

Television and movie producers are constantly trying to accommodate to their viewers needs. An example of this is the show Degrassi the Next Generation. This television series draws in younger viewers as it deals with different challenges that can be seen as relatable for many teens. Our textbook further explains how, “the media producers, in constructing their images and stories, are reflecting various social ideas and beliefs that are held by different social groups” (O’Shaughnessy & Stadler, 2012, p. 59). This proves that we get the media we want. The media constantly responds to social issues, and current events however it is ultimately, the audience’s decision to view the media.

The textbook also explains that, “consequently, there may be an interesting contradiction between the values of media producers and their audience’s desires, a contradiction that is revealed in the course of satisfying the imperative to popularity; there is thus a recognition of the powers of the audience/consumers to determine which media products succeed” (O’Shaughnessy & Stadler, 2012, p. 38). In other words, even thought producers/cast members might not like or agree with what they are providing us, as long as the audience is interested and they give good reviews, they will continue to provide us with what we want. As an example, I will use the television show Duck Dynasty. As stupid as some people may find it, it wouldn’t be aired without all its viewers. Many consumers are drawn to different reality shows like Duck Dynasty, which is why there are so many types of them.

            In conclusion, we as consumers are in total control of what we expose ourselves to and therefore we get what we want. At any point in time, we have the choice to get rid of certain medias. If we don’t like hearing about all the devastating stories in the news, then we have the choice to refrain from watching/listening to it. There might be a particular fashion style that is “in,” but if someone doesn’t like that style, they aren’t going to go out and buy clothes they don’t like. This can all be linked to individuality. If we don’t get the media we want, and instead want the media we get, wouldn’t everyone be similar because we would all desire what we see/hear in the media?

CPCF 1F25: Media Impact on Others

           While reading my classmate’s blogs, I was able to notice similar themes and insights from multiple people. First, many of my fellow peers discussed that although the media has an effect on their worldview, they have a filter; they know not to believe everything they hear. Mike Reid said, “It just goes to show that you can’t just take information from mass media at face value” (Reid: http://mikereidyes.blogspot.ca/). Some stories are misleading, leave out important facts, possess bias opinions, and furthermore, are false. Second, media can impact someone in a negative, or a positive way. Anthony Olufeko wrote in his blog, “For example the negative aspect of the media is revealed when the media shows Africa as a poor and weak nation, unable to support and govern its countries” (Olufeko: http://to12ls.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/1f25/). He further explains that the media only shows us harsh, saddening images- usually of people who are starving, in order to make us feel compassionate so that we want help them. When we think of Africa, we picture a struggling nation, rather than a continent as a whole. We rarely hear of positive occurrences or situations that are happening, as I believe it isn’t as beneficial to do so. Third, social media has a big impact on my generation, as a majority of teenagers heavily rely on these resources as a means of communication. In Grace Burgoyne’s post, she explains, “My generation has a different definition for what it means to communicate compared to other generations” (Burgoyne: http://souspression.weebly.com/blog.html). Our generation has had the opportunity to grow up as these new technological discoveries were created. The way we communicate with others is significantly different than the generation before us. Where these changes have been for better or worse, they impact the crucially impact the way we live today.

            For the most part- with a few exceptions, the mass media has had some sort of an impact on my peers, whether it be a small impact, or a significant one. I do not believe that someone could possibly not be impacted by this worldwide phenomenon, as it is always surrounding us. I can conclude that my impression of the media’s impact has not changed significantly, as I still feel as though I depend heavily on mass media, however I know when to believe something and when not to. If anything, this exercise-evaluating our peers views towards the mass media, has strengthened my own ideas, as well as opened my eyes to different thoughts and opinions.

Sincerely,

Shannon McGinnis