Over the
last 500 years, the influence of mass media has grown relative to the technological
development. We trust the media as an authority for news, information,
education and entertainment. We have become very dependent and used to the receiving
information from the media, and this gives the media the possibility to
influence us on most matters.
A very good
example of the media is the media coverage after the 9/11 terrorism. The action
itself had of course a huge impact on the American people, but the media is
what got the information out to the people, and it helped change their opinion on
the war on terrorism. Following the 9/11 terrorism, media coverage followed
accusations by government authorities that pointed toward al Qaeda as the group
that carried out the attack on the United States and Osama bin Laden as leader
of that group. Those news reports on the attack and the aftermath shaped public
opinion to support the war on terrorism.
Other ways
to influence public opinion include political advertising. Politicians spend
large amounts of money on media exposure that influences public opinion so they
will receive more votes on Election Day. If they do not use the media, they
will not get their message out and they will not be able to compete against the
other political candidates. Media often present public opinions on different
matters, because this has proven to be a very effective way to influence
others. This is because is easier to agree with the majority than the minority.
Media can also
increase sales and popularity for products or services. For instance, let us pretend that the world famous
movie Breakfast Club had its world premiere
yesterday. If it receives a lot of media attention and good reviews in the
media, more people are likely to watch the movie, and more viewers equal to
more money.
A positive
aspect of the media is that it has helped change people’s perception of races
in a positive manner, exposed people to other cultures, made people aware of
environmental needs, and the needs of people far away. The media brings
the world together and it influences us probably more than we are realize, both
good and bad.
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