One of the topics that was recently discussed in our Communciation class was about Mass Media. Coincidentally, it was in tie with the presentation during our Sociology class 2 hours before which also tackled mass media.
From what I've learned, the things media shows creates streotypes. They generalize a group of people to have this particular trait that makes them identifiable, therefore stereotyped (i.e. BLACK people are perceived to be gangsters, troublemakers, a bunch of dangerous people or in other words - criminals) but if you look at the bigger picture only a handful of these kinds of people exhibit this. But the media chooses to show this to the public because it recognizes these kinds of people in society. Another thing mass media does is, it creates a trend which influences it's viewers. An example for this kind of effect is how the media portray's Lady Gaga. I'm sure that everyone is aware that her fashion sense is authentic, unique, extraordinary but can be downright weird and creepy but because she is mediated to the public, people had started imitating her.
Mass media in my opinion is a necessary global sector, they deliver viable information to the public, makes communication easier, provides entertainment and much more. To sum it up, what mass media has done is it has made our lives more convenient. But besides it's original goal, indirect effects to the public such as trendsetting and stereotyping has emerged.
Mass Media = A double edged sword.
GOod points! But then I think you got it all the way around. I think the main point of the media is TO influence and to put ideas into people's head in what they should like, not like, buy, and whatnot. It really is a way of brainwashing people into what they want, or how they want viewers to act.
TumugonBurahinUltimately, I believe it's all about the force and the greed in Capitalismand consumerist thinking.
:)