"Mass Media" Learning Outcome 2

After spending the entire semester studying mass media I have come to the conclusion that media is responsible for effecting how we think as a society. I did not realize before how much of a hold media had on all of us until I took a deeper look into what I see practically 24/7. I have realized that advertisements have directed audiences and use different ploys to get the responses the advertiser’s desire. One thing that really struck me was how much media relied on emotional appeal. Whether it is a commercial for the starving children in Africa, a PSA add for abandoned puppies, or a video trying to draw attention to a global issue, all of these forums rely on the viewer’s emotions to get a response.  The minds behind such media stunts are no dummies and are completely aware that by shocking viewers into seeing sad, gruesome and often heart wrenching images they can get a response that they want.  I have realized that as viewers we have become accustomed to being molded to think or feel a certain way due to what we see in the media.

A prime example of this in political campaigns, often Politicians are exploited in the media because candidates will make mudslinging commercials for their opponents in hopes that the viewers will see the slandering ads and in turn think negatively about who they are running against. Also public service announcements are responsible for making us feel so sympathetic and so awful that we must do something to help join the cause. Another major thing that influences how we think is censorship. Along with PSA’s and campaigns censorship affects how we think because viewers only see or hear what the broadcasters want them to see.  Words, phrases, or actions that are viewed to be “obscene” or “inappropriate” are blocked out or edited so that the viewer will not see or hear them, in turn this gives the viewer the idea that whatever is blocked out is “bad” yet this is all according to the standards of whoever is making the said show or add.

Ultimately what we see in the media is all influenced by who is behind it. What we see as viewers is what the broadcasters, advertisers, and politicians all want us to see, yet we keep on watching.  In order to not be negatively influenced by the media it is best to have a clear head when watching and to realize that everything we see has a reason or motive behind it.