Cultural Influence on Media

Norah Al-SharariNicoya HelmELPS 760 Fall 2013

How Does Mass Media Influence Society?

In other words:

How do different types of mass media influence different types of people?

What is Mass Media

Any form of communication which is meted out to the people at large, through the various forms of communication.

Any form of communication which is seen and understood by a large mass of people can be taken to mean mass communication or media channels.

Buzzel (2013)

Examples of Mass Media

television, radio, movies, newspapers, and the Internet

Influence of Mass MediaPositive

Youth

Increased social, political and cultural awareness (Mokeyane, 2013)

Development of social skills through social media (Mokeyane, 2013)

Adults

Increased access to democratic process ("New media, globalisation and popular culture," 2013)

Greater access to different sources of information (Heisler, 2013)

Influence of Mass MediaNegative

YouthDevelopment of negative body image due to media images (Curtis, 2012; Mokeyane, 2013)

Encouragement of negative behaviors (drug abuse, violence, etc.) (Mokeyane, 2013)Advertising and encouragement of consumerism (Curtis, 2012; Osborn, 2006)

AdultsMedia from dominant culture can “take over” local culture (Osborn, 2006)

Advertising and encouragement of consumerism (Curtis, 2012; Osborn, 2006)

Mass Media and Education

Possible BenefitsAccess to all types of educational resources through the Internet

Access to cultural resources through global media such as Youtube and satelite TV

Possible Drawbacks“Global” culture can replace local culture, including language (Osborn, 2006)

Conflict of interest – “free” educational medial may come with advertisements that have messages that conflict with educational goals

ReferencesCurtis, A. (2012). Mass Media Influence on Society. Retrieved 10/1/2013, 2013, from http://www.uncp.edu/home/acurtis/Courses/ResourcesForCourses/Media&Society/MassMediaInfluenceOnSociety.html

Heisler, M. (2013, 5/20/2013). Mass Media and Its Influence on American Culture. Retrieved 11/1/2013, 2013, from http://makaylaheisler.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/school-mass-media-and-its-influence-on-american-culture/

Mokeyane, K. N. (2013). Media's Positive and Negative Influence on Teenagers. Retrieved 11/1/2013, 2013, from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/medias-positive-negative-influence-teenagers-10506.html

New media, globalisation and popular culture. (2013). Retrieved 11/2/2013, 2013, from http://revisionworld.co.uk/a2-level-level-revision/sociology/mass-media-0/new-media-globalisation-and-popular-culture

Osborn, R. L. (2006). The Influence of American Popular Culture in the Global Media. (Master of Arts in Media Communications), Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri. Retrieved from http://www2.webster.edu/~garyford/class_materials/MEDC%206000%20-%20Rebecca%20Osborn%20Thesis-SP2-06.pdf

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