Affecting How We Think

A detailed Summary of Affecting How We Think

Mass communications is one of the most popular college majors in the country, which perhaps reflects a belief in the importance of communications systems in society. The communications system, consisting of radio, television, film, newspapers and magazines, effects how we think, how we feel, and how we live. Therefore, we must ask ourselves, "Is media 'mere entertainment,' or are there serious side effects of the national preoccupation with the media?"

Long-term exposure to the media has a tendency to influence the way we think about the world around us, but how? Since the printing of the first newspaper to the introduction of the Information Superhighway, society has been able to view itself objectively. The men and women who present media to us: radio personalities, news anchors, and actors included, are given the responsibility of showing us society as it is. Sometimes, it is argued, this task is not done adequately. And so, arises an issue: can objectivity and subjectivity in the media affect how we approach issues? And, more importantly, can the information presented affect the value system of a society?

The media is so pervasive it is hard to believe they do not have important effects on society. Yet, many people

Is it fathomable that media can affect a society so much that we must shield ourselves from exposure to it? We don't know. But it is a fact that we live in a media-rich environment where almost everybody has access to some form of media. Over time, individuals have improved their ability to unravel the complex set of interactions that ties the media and society together, but they need to continue the delivery of information from the media in a fashion that will best serve their selves and their community.

Much of the population believes that violence is a reoccurring theme in television programs, and that this violence may provoke violent tendencies in those who watch it. Because of this notion, a device called the v-chip was invented which allowed parents to prevent their children from watching "harmful" shows. Political figures such as Senator Ernest F. Hollings supports a v-chip on the grounds that this damaging view of society will only become what is considered a "public health hazard." Those who oppose the v-chip do so on the grounds of the First Amendment.

In the September 1996 issue of the "American Journalism Review," Sherry Ricchiardi responded to powerful reporting by Christian Amanpour on Serb atrocities in Bosnia. Some observers questioned the decency of the reporter's approach of support in coverage of these war-torn regions. Ricchiardi explained that correspondents must walk a fine line between subje

Some common words found in the essay are:
Times Sullivan, Information Superhighway, Story Affair, Ernest Hollings, , Amanpour Serb, Mother Teresa, John Summers, Rochester York, Sherry Ricchiardi, v-chip grounds, subjectivity media, media affect,

Approximate Word count = 967
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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