Power of Media in the Modern World

Introduction:

Media is the most powerful sector of an economy. It is a tool to maintain a balanced society that is characterized by well-informed people, effective democracy, and social justice. In fact, media has an unparallel influence on all aspects of human life in modern times. Basically, the media performs three functions to inform, influence, and entertain. But effects of these functions are multidimensional in modern times. It has provided awareness about the whole world. In the twenty-first century, media has a tendency to shape the political, economical, and social values of an individual. Moreover, media has eliminated the boundaries of information, so that a person can become an active citizen of the global economy. Hence, it is logical to state the media has become a basic need of human civic life. The power of media lies in its functions, as it can be illustrated by realizing its political power. Media is the cementing force of democracy because it has supplemented the authority of people by giving them awareness about the political system and its functioning. And this is the reason for which media is considered the fourth pillar of the state. It strives for the rights of citizens to be served. In short, the proper functioning of media is a prerequisite for democracy. Furthermore, media has the power to connect the government with the nation It plays the role of a liaison between the two sides of the country. It helps the public to be aware the government of its opinion and feelings about any policy. on the other hand, it assists rulers in communication with citizens. So this mutual relationship is strengthened by the media. Likewise, it can also uproot corruption and promote good governance in a country. For instance, media can launch counter corruption programs on… … middle of paper … …e question of ethics. In modern times, the role of media is under debate. There emerged so many issues regarding the functioning of media. For instance, generally, violence on television is criticized to the great extent. Critics argue that violence shows children. This creates psychological depression and emotional instability. Similarly, numerous advertisements on mass media have also created adverse impacts on society. Critics substantiate this fact by giving the argument that advertising expensive products cause a sense of depravity in poor people. In addition, daily thousands of advertisements are destined to an individual through the different mental processes of a person. Hence, the power of media has touched its apex in today’s age. Its societal, political, and economic functions reflect its unparallel capacity to affect human life in all spheres.

Advantages:

  • It provides education to people via television and radio programs, people get to learn about health matters, environmental conservation, and much more.
  • People acquire the latest news in a very short time. Distance is not a barrier. Media provides daily news to people and keeps them updated on the occurrence around the world.
  • It enhances the hidden talent of the people. Through media platform their talents such as comedy, acting and singing.
  • Children’s knowledge increases. It teaches children by presenting quiz programs, animal programs and so on.
  • Radio is expedient as people do get small news and with a mobile phone, one can contact it.
  • Great in promoting mass consumer products.  The sale of a product can be improved by the media.
  •  Serves as a good source of entertainment. People get entertained through music and television programs.
  • Television allows electronic duplication of information. Media decreases the production cost making mass education possible.
  • Media leads to diffusion of different cultures. Media showcases different cultural practices.
  • People around the world can easily understand each other and embrace their differences with the help of the media.

Disadvantages:

  • It directs to individualism. People waste plenty of time on the internet and watching television. As a result, socialization with friends, family and neighbours is affected.
  • There are some media stuffing that is not suitable for children. Restraining children’s access to such content can be difficult.
  • Newspaper is geographically selective.
  • Swell in advertisements on television and radio is making them less attractive.
  • The possibilities of imposters, fraud and hacking on the internet are also devastating.
  • Media can be addictive, e.g. some television programs and internet. This can lead to a decrease in people’s productivity.
  • Health problems. Watching television for a long time can create eyesight problems and radio listening using earphones exposes one to possible hearing defects.
  • It glamorizes drugs and alcohol.
  • It can escort to personal injury. Some people decide to go behind the exploit that are showcased in the media. This can lead to injuries.
  • It can escort to the ruin of reputation. It has become likely for one to create an anonymous account. Such accounts can be used for malicious reasons such as spreading rumours. This can lead to the ruin of reputation of an individual or a company.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the use of media images can be both positive and negative to the individual or society. In a positive way, media makes our lifestyle easier, for example, we can get to know what is going on out there, locally or globally, within a short space of time. Even though there are so many benefits from media images, we have to be careful not to let them influence us unknowingly. We need to be wise when using the media.


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