Mean World Syndrome Essay Examples

Are people affected by the media? The ideas the media especially television present may reflect the daily happenings in the society. Although this may be the case, there are reservations in that the owners of the media screen what the media display. For example, a reporter chooses what to omit while reporting and what to include. From this perspective, it is clear that the information presents in not entirely accurate reflections of what might be happening in the society.
The effects on what one see may occur for various reasons. According to the functionalist theory, the media plays three critical roles. First, the media do a surveillance of the environment to look for both opportunities and threats. Second, it is to coordinate the various elements of the society and third transmission of culture. What happens if the people receive the ideas or information? It is evident that some people response to the information inappropriately.
A report of a hurricane warning the people to vacate their building or to go to the basement may make various people move outside with their cameras to capture the occurrence. What motivate the people is to be among the first to record and document what happens may be to compare with what the media reports later. One may assume this is ignorance yet it is what the media shows. Reporters go into the core of the danger just to capture it happening! Why not everyone else who can afford a camera?
Such also indicates the tendency for people to imitate what others do. It does not matter whether it is in negative sense or a positive one. Culture transmission occurs through copying of the value systems. The media provide values on how citizens ought to relate to one another. The danger is if the media portray prejudices as is the case with the Black Americans and the White in USA. It is evidently apparent that biases towards the Blacks as displayed in the police drama in 2014. Such can fuel negative thoughts towards a particular culture or groups of individuals. The violence exhibited towards the Black, even if it is justifiable does not augur well with national principles and fair trials.
Social learning occurs on a daily basis from what one sees. Every person would want to know in details what happens in the environment to learn and take control. Such influences the way one thinks. An individual worries what the dangers are in the environment. Robberies reported, police apprehending criminals, etc. affect how one perceives security.
Media influences the way I perceive the environment. Many reports on illegal activities and gang activities instill fear in me. Political unrest or demonstrations make me feel insecure as they turn out to be very violent. Cultural aspects displayed in the mainstream media may unconsciously affect me. For example, the mode of dressing, food, and type of films I watch, etc. The information also affects the way I view politicians as they engage in debts. My worldview also changes.
The media may affect others in a similar manner. However, the degree of influence varies from one person to another. It is noteworthy noting that one derives idea from the general information provided. Therefore, it is true that the media affects all aspect of the society. Violence videos games, Hollywood fields, etc. can instill ideas inclined towards violence either for self-defense or towards a given culture.