MEDIA in the 21st century
In the 21st century, science and technology have reached sky-scraping levels. Consequently, individuals spend more time viewing media than any other leisure activity. There is no doubt media has a primary role and importance in our daily lives. Numerous studies have exposed the wide-ranging effects of media on all groups—children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. In fact, it can shape our thinking, personalities, cognitive abilities and political preferences. Since every kind of show, irrespective of genre and subject matter, is widely and easily available, it is important to keep a check and balance on our youth as recent research suggests that there are more negative impacts than positive consequences.
Impact
It directly affects and influences the society. It communicates as well as offers their own perspective and opinions to each and every event. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the power of media so that we can critically analyze the information we receive from it. With so much available at one’s fingertips for a low cost, it is difficult not to be engrossed in it. However, it is crucial for us to not be swept away by it’s persuasiveness, but to adopt a moderate approach while viewing it. This will allow youngsters to have strong personalities and enhance their critical thinking skills and reasoning abilities.
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Functions
Media has a variety of functions. It strives to educate learners, inform individuals enhance skills, and promote products. Also, it acts as an opinion maker. It informs the world what is going on in a country at a certain time. In countries where direct knowledge or witnesses are not present, the people heavily rely on the media for awareness. Therefore, however the media represents an issue will mostly likely be the way in which people perceive it.
A study done in the 1970s found that various causes contribute to how much people are swayed by media and how they view it.
It is believed that ‘media does not tell us what to think, but rather what to think about’ (Krings, 2018). A study confirmed that people from established nations were more likely to not be influenced by the national media agenda, while lack of wealth inclined towards folks in agreement with media on top issues. The findings also manifest that some national and individual factors greatly influence how it happens. Consequences are not the same for every country or even from one person to the other (Krings, 2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, media has invaded every aspect of our lives. Whether it is education, information, marketing, social networks, connectivity or entertainment, humans have been subjected to the rule of media. It has numerous functions and roles. It helps to shape our thinking and political preferences. Media raises awareness of different issues around the world, giving outsiders a chance to dissect the situation. It also aids in forming opinions, attitudes and personalities.
However, there is a down side to all this exposure.
Experts have discovered that there is a rising proportion of depression and suicide with heavy social media usage. People fall prey to the inferior syndrome when they see others who are achieving and living better than them. It is essential that a check and balance should be kept on the providers and consumers.
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Currently, I am a student of Fatima Jinnah Women University. With a burning passion for psychology, words, and dreams, I decided to abandon medical studies for humanities. These days, when I’m not listening to ballads, watching movies, or sitting down with a good novel, I am rigorously studying Hangul (Korean language) to satisfy my obsession for BTS and K dramas. I’m a thinking introvert and INFJ personality. Therefore, I like ‘me time’. My articles typically resonate with psychological well-being advice.