This semester I've had the chance to take a Mass Communications class (if you ever get the chance, take MC 101 with Dr. Roberts) and it has been so interesting to learn about media from a man who has been working in the industry since the 9 grade. Since I've been in this class, one thing that frequently pops into my head is the question, "Why do we blame the media for all of our problems?"
Let's be real for a minute — when a big, publicized event takes place everyone automatically begins to criticize "the media." Whether it's skinny models on front pages or political figures on screens, something always seems to be wrong with it. Well, who exactly qualifies as "media?" One common misconception is that media is one giant machine when in fact media are plural. There are so many different branches in this business that it can't be capped as a singular unit. Media range from Fox, CNN and MSNBC to people blogging and writing (like me). You could even say that you (yeah, you) make up the media as well. Do you have an Instagram? Facebook? Twitter? Social media give us the power to share our ideas and expressions. Posting a picture, a funny tweet or a political rant all add to the category of "media." What a time to be alive.
So now that there's a foundation of understanding, down to more serious thoughts.
In Mass Comm, we studied several theories of media. One of them is called the "Bullet (or Vaccine) Theory" and claims that media puts concrete ideas into our heads about everything that is on TV, on a magazine cover, or anything along those lines. This theory claims that we are hypnotized by media, that we can't form opinions or think for ourselves after seeing a commercial or advertisement. I would like to believe that's not true, but the way that people talk about the media these days makes it seem as if they do have a hypnotic effect on us.
Whether it's airing the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show or reporting on the presidential election, people like to point their fingers at this industry. Arguments like "Does media affect self-esteem?" and "Media is to blame for Hillary/Trump's success" are two hot topics of conversation these days. The news fuels these arguments by only reporting on what they deem important, but keep in mind sometimes it's about economics.
In addition, there are many different types of media. Some are geared to entertain, some to inform and others to persuade. So the lesson here is simple: don't only rely on one source for your news and information. Media definitely have a sway on our opinions, but again it's the public's responsibility to rely on multiple sources for accurate information and a well-rounded opinion.
When it comes down to it, is the media really at fault or are they doing their job?
