English Paper

Media versus Society and Individuals

In recent decades the perceived need or desire for entertainment in contemporary society has risen substantially. The media has become so prominent that many lives seem centered around entertainment such as movies, television, music, magazines and the internet. Today’s media captures the attention of almost all persons, whereas only half a century ago for most people entertainment was a luxury rather than a necessity. The media exerts both negative and positive affects on the individual and society, and the time has come when the “media monster” must be controlled so that it doesn’t overpower or control so many people’s lives.

Many social problems may be traced to the elevated hype and focus on media. For example, the media constantly portrays men and women with “perfect” bodies, stereotyping an ideal of how every person should appear, causing many individuals to struggle with their own image and who they are. Because movies, television, and magazines portray and glamorize men and women in this manner, many have a distorted view of how people should be, and they fall into the trap of comparing themselves to this very narrow “Hollywood” standard. Consequently, in their searching for ways to achieve these expectations, they sometimes do things that are neither mentally nor physically healthy. I know many women, myself included, who have struggled with their self image and wrestle with continual thoughts of not being good enough. A friend was so affected by this portrayal of the body that she succumbed to anorexia. It wasn’t until she weighed only 98 pounds that she realized she had a problem. With the media’s fixed attention on outward appearances, and even the manipulation of photos used in magazines, there can be little wonder that people are plagued with problems such as anorexia or distorted self images.

In addition to individual concerns, the media has likewise affected the cultural morals and values of society as a whole; values of responsibility and respect, along with moral moorings, seem to be in sharp decline. One measuring device for this decline may be seen in the way many dress and regard their body. Once respected and cared for, now the body is frequently degraded and psychologically attacked. A sociology professor once taught that because of these lowered moral standards, the numbers of sexually active persons out of wedlock has increased. According to an essay on http//:www.allfreeessays.com, only a half century ago morals were more clearly defined, and being engaged in such activities was discouraged and frowned upon. With the passing of time, however, the media has been a major factor in the soothing and easing of societal conscience, with the result that many things once considered indecent and repulsive are now acceptable in the eyes of many. Many children being reared in today’s society seem more concerned with being constantly entertained than in pursuing learning and education. They would rather watch television, play computer/video games, or watch a video or DVD than read a book, develop a skill, or even amusing themselves in play of their own design and creativity. One friend related an experience had while teaching a class of young children. She was trying to teach a lesson to a young group of children who weren’t paying any attention to her. They were yelling, playing, and hitting each other rather than trying to stay focused on her or the lesson material. Being frustrated, she addressed the class and talked with them about the importance of paying attention, trying to focus on the lesson, and being respectful to each other and to the teacher. Not five minutes later the children were back doing the same thing and disregarding her completely. She expressed her concern, and stated that in her generation children would have reacted to the situation in a completely different way. They would have become quiet immediately and at least paid outward attention to the lesson. The young generation seems preoccupied with the instant entertainment media has made possible; they no longer care for a nice book or less technological items to keep entertained and occupied. Indeed, this focus on high-tech and entertainment, to the exclusion of personal creativity and learning, may be measured as a great loss and may similarly mark a decline in current societal values.

Having said this, the media has also exercised a positive affect on many. If used properly and with a clear perspective of values, the media can clearly influence society for good in many ways. Through it the world has “become smaller;” we have much improved contact with the world around us. It can help us feel more connected to our international neighbors. It can make us aware of needs caused by natural disasters, keep us aware of important current news events, and also provide wholesome entertainment. One might say that the media is primarily a negative influence when it is abused, or when it becomes an independent standard for our conduct.

Given its potentially negative effect, how does one control the media and thus use it to good effect? Perhaps an important consideration deals with perspective—we shouldn’t be obsessive with it. We need to take the initiative to control the media use in our homes. If the amount of television, movies, internet activity, etc. that enters our homes where families and children are exposed to these elements is decreased, perhaps more people would realize that the media isn’t as important as often advertised. This might be especially effective for children who have excessive amounts of free time at their disposal where they have unrestricted and unsupervised access to media offerings, who when “nurtured and nourished” by whatever they find in television programs or while surfing on the internet don’t find reinforcement of important values and who do not learn to work and be self-sufficient, or take responsibility for themselves. The media portrayal of life is not realistic, and its portrayal can both distract people from worthwhile pursuits and confuse their sense of values. It may serve to discourage them and make them feel like a failure when they cannot match what they see. A sure grounding in what life really is about helps lessen susceptibility to emotional damage. Entertainment, though important for everyone, should be kept as something to enjoy, not as something that dominates life. It should be something that brings people together to enrich and bless lives.

Having access to all the wonderful things that the media offers is a great thing, if we let it have a positive affect on our lives and on those around us. We cannot allow ourselves to do nothing or be passive and let the media destroy the lives of those around us. Do not allow it to dominate your life and work a negative affect on your life and who you are. Stand up for fundamental values and strive to make the media clean and wholesome. By taking an active initiative, we can help the media to have a positive affect on individuals and society.