The media has been an important asset to the societies of this world. Liberalization of the media has therefore yielded benefits to both individuals and corporations. In most organizations in most communities, access to the media has created a great chance to improve on the on their gains and consistency. Access to the media can increase on the productivity as well as the efficiency of many organizations exponentially. The need for the media has therefore boosted the industry to great heights. With all these and many more positive influences of the media to the society, there is great need for our government to support it and ensure its consistent growth (Potter, 2012).
In the recent past, the media has played an important role in being instrumental in the dissemination of information. The various forms of media namely the televisio
...n, radio, newspaper, and the internet must therefore be endorsed by the society at large and utilized to maximize their benefit. There are different ways in which the media has contributed to the welfare of the society. For example, it has played a great role in the education of our society. There are many things that are never taught in class in our academic institutions. People who do not that the chance to attend schools in these institutions benefit a great deal from forums held in the media (Carah, et al, 2015). For instance, not all people attend medical schools. Healthcare forums held on television and radio shows have benefitted millions of people as they add to their knowledge on matters pertaining healthful living, sanitation, cleanliness and importance of health and life insurance policies.
According to Couldry, (2012) th
media has also become a platform on which economic growth has been promoted. This has been instrumental in ensuring that product information reaches consumers appropriately. Many organizations today use the media to advertise new products, make sales, and even outsource workers. The efficiency of operations in organizations has also been boosted, especially with the use of internet services. Communication has become efficient as never before, has time been easy to manage, and sales have been easy to perform on online platforms created in the internet (Carah, et al, 2015).
Couldry, (2012) also states that the media has also been a watchdog for the country and the society therein. By scrutinizing the ways and lives of politicians, people have become enlightened in the choice to make for the leaders who have to lead them. Malpractices in the political arena have been kept on the spotlight and this has enhanced accountability by heads of departments and partakers in government programs to the public. This has not only been so in the political arena but has also been taking place in private organizations as well as multinational corporations to prove accountable to the society and people they serve. Corruption in the government and private sectors has therefore become easy to abolish all owing to the vigor and vitality of the media.
Despite it having relayed important information, media has also been a source of detrimental information. Such information deludes the morals of the society and tends to influence peoples’ way of life and ultimately has created a new culture in the society (POTTER, 2012). The T.V has both positive and negative effects to the society. Its negative effects have proven
to have a great impact on children and adolescents. Children have been limited in doing important activities such as reading, playing, socializing, etc. According to, Potter, (2012) they have been exposed to violence, inappropriate sexuality and vulgar language though television programs the internet or even magazines. As a result, our children have grown to be immoral and violent. All these have greatly influenced their physical, mental and social development negatively, creating a society with a new culture. I therefore call upon all media houses to regulate the content of what is displayed by the media they run.
Advertising in the media cuts both ways as far as influence on behavior is concerned. For instance, ads on alcohol teach on the harmful effects of consuming it, yet still advocate for its consumption by implicating it to performance. This has lured many into the trap robbing the society its sobriety and human resource. Music and movies from the media have also impacted behavior. The picture of Women depicted in them is that of sex objects and people inferior to men (POTTER, 2012). This has created a society where women are sexually disrespected and battered by men. With regard to this, I call upon the members of the society to uphold responsible use of the media. People must learn to distinguish reality from fiction.
The media has also impacted peoples’ ability to learn. Children have learned about cooperation, kindness, academics and tolerating diversity. The media has created a learning attitude as it has triggered visits to libraries, references to books, access to museums. Inspirations through the media have motivated many young people to improve on their reading and learning skills.
However, it is of great importance to teach our children about the responsible use of the media as it may take away time meant for personal development. The internet for instance may lure young people to immoral and addictive behavior which degrades the moral fiber (Couldry, 2012).
In conclusion, despite the media having beneficial functions, it has also led to destructive behaviors amongst people. A society of elites has been created through the media. Productivity in business has also improved through the media. However, an increase in violence, immorality, laziness and many vices have emanated from improper use of the media. These vices work to counteract the development that would come with correct use of the media (POTTER, 2012). I hereby call upon all members of the society to embrace responsible use of the media so as to foster an increase in benefits thus yielded from it. To the government, I propose stern regulations of media houses to prevent dissemination of wrong information.
Reference
- Potter W.J, (2012): Media effects. Los Angeles: SAGE.
- Carah, N., Louw, P. E., & Steele, M. (2015). Media & society: Production, content & participation. Los Angeles: Sage.
- Couldry, N. (2012). Media, society, world: Social theory and digital media practice. Cambridge: Polity
