Short answer questions - Essay Example

Effects of Media on Society Here Here Here Here Effects of Media on Society Question Response Therehas been controversy about the impact of media on society since near the onset of mass information exchange. Instant access to such a broad portion of the population created the potential for system abuses, resulting in the creation of oversight committees such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). While much attention has been given to the fear that media causes unwanted behaviors, much less is heard about the probability for the mass distribution of information to be used as a benefit to society.

One of the most damaging aspects of media is the tendency of outlets to place an unearned emphasis on the darker side of human affairs. Every day the public is exposed to hours of reports on human suffering in its various forms, both through news/discussion, and in the themes of regular programming. This skewed view of reality presents a major barrier to pro-social changes. Significant improvements in this area can only be brought by system-wide alterations that are supported by a common understanding of the issue.

Question 2 Response The FCC tends to focus on nudity, coarse language, and violence, as elements they want to protect the public from. But evidence about these factors and if they have a significant negative influence on social behaviors is conflicting. It is possible that the opposite is happening; violence in the media may allow people the opportunity to express their more aggressive tendencies . This situation would agree with reports that aggression is higher in children after they play violent games (Anderson & Carnagey, 2009).

The fear of desensitization to violence is another potential influence of media that is poorly understood. Those against such programming would argue that lessened responses to violence means less empathy, while supporters would point out that desensitization is a completely normal response throughout most areas of psychobiology.ReferencesAnderson, C. A., & Carnagey, N. L. (2009). Causal effects of violent sports video games on aggression: Is it competitiveness or violent content?. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 45(4), 731-739.