Media's Influence on Culture and Society
Media has become a significant part of the daily lives of people based on the constant advancement in technology which has raised the need for access to information, and the media is on the forefront. Alongside entertainment media lies culture and society. The surroundings profoundly influence the culture and society in which we operate. In the previous centuries, the natural environment affected peoples culture, but in the current era, there exists a virtual environment that has given rise to a new culture and society that is greatly influenced by mediatization. This paper will offer deep and insightful understanding into the relationship that exists between today’s media and culture.
American Values and Culture Shaped by Entertainment Media
There exist several forms of entertainment media in today’s society which include newspapers, social media sites, television, and others. Among these, television is the most popular form of entertainment media based on the number of viewers in America(Shim, Oh, Song, " Lee, 2015). With the advancement in HD technology in televisions, many Americans spend hours being part of the highly entertaining style and the fast-moving virtual entertainment. Television plays a significant role in assisting in the development especially of the young generation’s beliefs and attitudes about themselves and others in the society. According to Shim et al., one of the manners in which television entertainment media has influenced the American culture and beliefs is through increased American materialism (2015). We can describe this as the view of emphasizing the acquisition of materials such as money, wealth, a social status above developing in other personal beneficial ways. An example of this is the current hip-hop culture that is regularly shown on television where the actors and musicians flaunt money, expensive cars and houses, and lavish lifestyles as the desirable norm.
Social Influence of Entertainment Media: Positive or Negative?
Television is the leading form of entertainment media, and most of the social influence attributed to television is negative. Today, most of the prominent entertainment shows in television involve reality tv series. Tv shows such as “Keeping Up with(Shim et al., 2015) the Kardashians” have become the center of the source of influence on culture, belief, and attitude. Such shows which have the most viewing on television portray the objectification of women in the society and support the notion of beauty as opposed to hard work at the fundamental tool for success.
Influence of Movies on Television
In the publication by Perse and Lambe, they mention how movies are a crucial part of television in entertainment media (2016). Movies are the first choice for relaxation and entertainment. However, the type of scenes seen in films shown in televisions has changed drastically. Movies today glorify violence, disobedience, overindulgence in drugs and alcohol, crime and too much sexuality. Television media has watered down the theme of trust, love, and loyalty by substituting it with the idea of “every man for himself” which is a selfish, negative trait in the society(Perse " Lambe, 2016). Television has made it okay for one to be a villain and this has led to an increase in the occurrence of heinous crimes.
Conclusion
Entertainment media is a significant part of influencing social behaviors, beliefs, and attitude. Every single home in America has access to television, and this makes entertainment media the current source of mentorship particularly for the young. Upon closer thought, entertainment media introduces ideas and determines which type of character is socially acceptable. By observing the manner in which the society is transforming, entertainment media has become a determinant which makes it the core and reference point for societal behaviors and attitude.
References
Perse, E. M., " Lambe, J. (2016). Media effects and society. Routledge.
Shim, H., Oh, P., Song, H., " Lee, Y. (2015). An exploration of motivations for two screen viewing, social interaction behaviors, and factors that influence viewing intentions. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 18(3), 158–164.
