Impact of Media on Society’s Perception Essay

Introduction Mass media has advanced in terms of its expanse of reach in terms of technological innovations in the last few decades. With such expansion, representations of array of layers of portrayals and illustrations in all fields from the media have also risen (Klapper, 1950).   The movie industry in the United States had been one of the top exporters and income-generating areas of the country (Akre & Wilson, 2006). Its vast influence on the contemporary society conducts a huge impact on how the society is to internalize every movie by which they are able to watch.     Given the fact that movies vary in theme, in the message which it plans to convey, the 21st Century masses are believed to be in a state of threat on the increase of violence and other lawful circumstance which now places the world at the stake of conviction over what to watch, and what to make the children watch (Sharma & Dlouhy, 2004). Technological advancement The presence of mass media as a tool of communication has increased largely because of the technological innovations consistently being introduced not only in advancing the productivity rate of media organizations but also in expanding the capacity of the various media outlets to include a wider range of topics (Hudson, 1986). With this expansion, the subjects incorporated into the mass media has also been augmented (Graber, 1980) such that former topics that were once rarely untouched have now been constantly infused with unceasing publicity such as those that tackle Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Media as an information tool Contemporary trends in the media have not also failed to divulge into matters that concern individuals in various ways. Television documentaries as well as scholarly journals and entertainment publications have been constant players in bringing forth the issues that revolve around the lives of those who dwell and depend much on what they ought to see on the television. Apart from all these, advertisements have contributed largely to the depiction of the image of various women in a broad number of societies and fields of interest (Wortzel & Frisbie, 1974). Effect of media to women It is a fact that the media, in general, has procured a large number of specific portrayals of women that vary according to their age, national background, educational attainments and several other factors. Although there are articles claiming that the media has no role in the development of the women’s self-esteem (Wright, 1975), there is wide agreement among a number of researches showing that the media, indeed, brings both positive as well as negative effects on a woman’s self-image (Klapper, 1950).   By utilizing these studies that support the idea of the media harboring consequences to women, we can further proceed with the assessment on the effects of media by using the general argument that the media plays a contributive role in the creation of destructive self-images on the part of female individuals. Given the fact that women are the â€Å"most exposed† audience, the crucial points mentioned have been the center of several researches and studies that aim at shedding light and understanding on the consequences brought about by these media portrayals to women in general (Burd, 1939). Whereas a number of these researches and studies have shown that the media’s representation of women has been both a direct and an indirect factor in the development of a woman’s negative perception of the self (Greenwald, 1992), one can also attempt to take the opposite side by insisting that media’s representation of women has a negligible effect on the self-image of women based on gathered data and its interpretation (Burd, 1939).   While the underlying question being resolved by both sides of these scholarly attempts revolves around the question as to whether media has its effects on the self-esteem and perception of women, another fundamental question can be raised. Should the media’s representation of women be considered a factor in the development of negative self-image among women? That now raises the brow in the effects of media to the audience. Deliberative refutes with the observed impact on women With these things in mind, the main thesis that this paper will adopt is that the media’s representation of women has a negative impact on women’s perception on these representations from the media. Supporting evidences needed to sustain the claim are to be taken mainly from previous scholarly researches and academic studies that center on the self-esteem of women in the context of exposures with the images of women in mass media (Benas & Gibb, 2007). Other references needed to maintain the argument are also to be extracted from several theories that put a premium emphasis on the hierarchy of the needs of individuals and on how people respond to these needs (Olenick, 2000).   The lame fact surfacing on such thought dwells on the positivity or the negativity of the impact being obtained. The advent of electronic media   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Electronic Media’s advent and the consistent rise of age’s liberalism had endured in a profound argumentative impact with regard to social interaction as well as with cultural identity.   The changes made by mass media are evidently found on a series of notions due to consciousness, certain perceptions on reality and the palpable alterations of the masses’ individual lives concurrent on what had reconstituted by the mentioned technological change (Palmer & Young, 2003).   Technological or digital innovation dwelled on to by human beings had been observed to have been conducting a protective bubble of fixed racial, cultural and ethnic identity resulting to a sense of detachment which lies on the physical state of the screen persona as well as with the transcends in the reality of social culture (Barker & Petley, 2001). Effects of media on cultural views The intersections of the new media coherent with the transformation of relationships among individuals were seen to be among aesthetic traditions, context on contemporary matters and different forms of speculative futures (â€Å"The National Entertainment State,† 2006).   The effects of media on cultural views and perceptions of people have been constantly changing on to how the general media’s trend is now being implemented. An example of such would be best illustrated on many immigrants and workers in the United States who came from other 3rd World Countries.   According to survey, the impact of constant exposure on television or media mediums caused them to become more liberated and open (Sharma & Dlouhy, 2004) to some sort, given the fact that what they tend to often see on the television portray the reality of today’s generation for reasons which are all inter-related in a web of complex facts, figure and situations – tracing back on the history of television or entertainment, per se’. Media as a source of violence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The level of morality of individuals are conceived to be one by which their respective behavior are dependently being implied to.   With regard to behavioral psychology, it had been stressed that an individual’s personality is the manifestation of the influences which one had been able to acquire all throughout his childhood carried until adulthood (Wright, 1975).    Americans’ somewhat insatiable appetite for violence had been depicted and described in the violence saturate of their culture.   In an article written by Lillian BeVier, she elaborated various examples on how media had taken a huge part on violence in today’s generation. Her findings led her to an echelon of realistic and obvious results such as: songs urging to rape women, killing police officers, committing suicide, and all other heinous crimes which are said to be the message conveyed by some songs (â€Å"The National Entertainment State,† 2006; Niemeyer, 1975).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, the issue of violence being a triggering factor for such violence were not thoroughly given substantial evidence with regards to the exposure on media, she had clearly emphasized that there is a need for the government, the Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, nor any state legislature to provide the discretionary and lawful measures as having to be given the power to legislate such constraints to avoid producers or purveyors commit such insatiable mistakes on the field of media communication (Akre & Wilson, 2006; Barker & Petley, 2001). Laws as a mean in expunging violence caused by media Due to the rampant rise of violence which is anticipated to have been caused by media exposure, critics and analysts had made researches on how to expunge such problem within the country, also to help save the considered innocent victims.   Relevant questions had risen on varied situations. Aside from that, the numerous numbers of crimes which had been bugging the Justice Department had gone on massive state that the need of keeping the morality and the avoidance of such violence had been a must to be expunged.   The government’s aim in saving the viewing masses had been delicately found to be moving in a very slow motion that those who are concerned on the leech eating the morality and sense of dignity oh humankind are being alarmed, sending a series of requests to those who are capable of making laws, to focus on media regulation (Newton, 1996). Mimicking media symbols The impressions left by media and its impact on the society had been conclusively found that perhaps one of the major reasons for such was the extremist rhetorical views from talk shows viewed by the audience.   Sometimes, the openness and extreme liberalism of a person, being shared on television are serving as a guide or something which is then mimicked (Greenwald, 1992). In relation to such scenario, it shall then be one by which those who do not possess the higher level of rationality and understanding is most likely to follow what they believed were â€Å"right† and â€Å"factual† statements and examples, giving it a ticket on the world of crime.   It may not be a total form of proof for such acts, but it is clear that an ounce of influence may result on to the transformation of individuals, thus, only if it shall be given proper guidance that such â€Å"negative† transformation shall be avoided (Greenwald, 1992). Media crossing the line   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Furthermore, certain instructions may implicitly cause damage to families.   An illustration of such shall be seen on a scenario where families are to watch TV or a movie, with a theme on betrayal, prostitution or other forms of demoralizing schemes (Gunter, Harrison, & Wykes, 2003).   Given with such premise, although it will be under the discretion of the viewer on how to accept and internalize the message conveyed, still, it already gives the young minds, even those in the proper age an idea if such immorality. President Clinton once stated an impressive line on television giving the movie industry an alarm and a warning not to put across the level of immorality in the projects done for entertainment purposes.   He warned the participating subjects that â€Å"a line has been crossed – not just of taste, but of human dignity and decency†.   Such perception had then been crossing the stream every time sexual violence is given an amplifying catching tune.   It was then the time when the Hollywood’s dream of setting the â€Å"liberated† scheme of teen â€Å"adult scenes† were constrained and filtered (Barker & Petley, 2001; Newton, 1996).   Now that is pleasant news. Juvenile violence caused by mimicking media figures   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Juvenile justice system is aimed towards rehabilitating these young criminals, since they are not yet of the right age, and assumed to be not in the right frame of mind. But they could relinquish their hold on these criminals depending on the weight of the crime, or the court waives to do so (Burns, 1994). There is legislation for the protection, care, and custody of these children under their jurisdiction, since they are the ones that manage these legal concerns. People often deal with this delinquency problem by looking at the root of the problem: society and its components. People are driven into delinquency by various factors, including their outlook in the society and intervention by other people. In order to solve the problem of delinquency, these issues should be properly taken care off.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   People should start with their own homes and see whether they have proper communication with their children. Another is making sure that the environment is safe, free from other factors that could elicit delinquency. If it still couldn’t be managed, then that’s the time we need professional help. The authorities are more than willing to help, especially if the people are cooperating with them. There should be partnership with the authorities and the locals in order to solve the problem of juvenile delinquency. Music industry’s influence Moreover, there had also been instances with regard to the music industry.   Taking on to consideration the fact that music is now also a part of the television era, it is most likely inevitable for them to commit certain violations with regards to such.   It had been stated that the children of today are being exposed to certain music and videos which are offering negative images of human relationships as well as with unconstructive descriptions causing the downfall of the spiritual and moral values of the innocent individuals (â€Å"The National Entertainment State,† 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  An example of which are those kind of music which teaches men on how to mistreat women – and for women to â€Å"just† accept this kind of fate – all of which is nothing but a short of mental contamination. Perceivably, it has not only violated the view of respect on the side of women, but it already gives children a negative impression on how women are to be treated, and how they accept to be treated, in such manner (Groves, 2002).     Digging deep on such, for the reason that entertainment plays a big role in most individual’s daily activities, it is righteous enough that lyrics of songs are to be filtered so as to give consideration to those who preserve the essence of ethics and the decency in music, art, and all the further forms of entertainment enjoyed. Media impact on society’s perception   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Researches with regards to the viewer’s attitudes and behaviors toward television programs and portrayals as well as with the effects on the viewing experiences are found to be the major reason on how they are influenced and how they are able to internalize what they tend to see.   Viewers’ opinions about televised violence can vary significantly upon the physical form it takes as well as with the type of behavior displayed (Palmer & Young, 2003). Moreover, even the reasons for violence, the consequences for those who were involved, the nature of the perpetrator and the victim, and the relationship between them along with the setting in which the conflict and the scene has taken place, creates a huge function on how it shall be taken by such (Palmer & Young, 2003). Challenges in the rapidly changing media landscape   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conceivably, the dizzying pace of change in the Tele-visual landscape providing stark realities, significant challenges, and opportunities are notable for children’s growth, education and socialization.   The transformation of such realities, challenges and opportunities shall be translated in their lives, bedrooms, and futures will largely depend on how revolutionary techs are implemented, funded, distributed and consumed (Groves, 2002). The unprecedented explosion in options of viewing, video and subscription video on demand, personal video recorders, interactive TV, interactive program guides, unfiltered Internet access and a set of new-handled/portable technologies which continuously emerges on the modern era are but creating a whole new environment on an ethical scale perception (Newton, 1996).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The dull endless debates about media â€Å"effects† could be broken with relative ease only if journalists, policy makers, politicians and pundits could be shifted among their deference and devotion to the style which they now tend to swim on.   Instead, if such social psychological advent is to sieve on to persuasion and thus give hearing to some findings which shall serve a slap to their prudence then their perspective is most likely to be adhered justly (Groves, 2002). Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The problem of violence in mass media which occurs in almost all corners of the world are but well-supported reasons and evidences why such problem must be given attention by the government.   It may not be clearly emphasized that it is the only factor why such immoral deeds are made, but then again, making it as â€Å"one† of the many factors is reason enough to alarm the society.     Such incidents raised and elaborated in accordance with the depictions on violent scenes and messages abounded on motion pictures, television, popular music, video games, books, and magazines featuring scenes of mayhem, sexual assault, murder, suicide, and all the other forms which are harmoniously repeated over and over again eat a large part on the apple of morality and behavior of humankind (Niemeyer, 1975).    In the same light, articles that touch on the opposite side of the claim are also to be utilized so as to review the probable refutations to the claim and to seek the best means in order to arrive at a solid conclusion on how mass media had been affecting the lives, specifically the perception of the contemporary masses so as to clearly understand the fallacious or the provided and proven facts and details with regard to how movies had been airing on television (â€Å"The National Entertainment State,† 2006). 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