Communication as an Essential Component in Any Society - Essay Example

The Masses should no longer trust the photographs and film in the strategic communications of a Modern that is able to use sophisticated technology to alter images. Introduction: Communication is an essential component in any society. In primitive times, this aspect was achieved orally and in times of need for mass communication, through drums and other instruments. While oral communication still exists, new forms have evolved over the years. It could be said that the print media followed by television and the internet have gained in prominence in mass communication. But the power of the media to influence and even manipulate news and pictures can be considered to be a topic of debate. Technology has evolved to such an extent that images (photographs and films for example) and words could be manipulated to mislead the common man. This paper argues that the masses should no longer trust the photographs and film in the strategic communications of a Modern State that is able to use sophisticated technology to alter images. The media could have their own private agenda other than showing unbiased visuals. They could be influenced or coerced by politics and economic considerations in order to mislead the viewer. Difference between influence and manipulation: It would be interesting to define the difference between influencing and manipulating. The former term does not necessarily denote a negative tone as per the meaning given in the Oxford dictionary. The term primarily means the capacity of an individual or organization regarding an effect on character, behavior or outlook. It could be either positive or negative. But manipulation, according to the same dictionary indicates cleverness or unscrupulous intent. So any, manipulation of media images and movies could be construed as having a personal agenda, so as to mislead the viewer into believing the wrong scenario or situation. Media manipulation: One of the main areas of media manipulation is political in nature. “The media is manipulated in all manners, for example through professional public relations (PR), and covert and overt government propaganda which disseminates propaganda as news. What are often deemed as credible news sources can often knowingly or unknowingly be pushing political agendas and propaganda”. (Shah). The author provides the example of video news releases (VNR). These clips are created by public relations firms and agencies and integrated into actual news broadcasts. TV stations then add these VNRs into their news time broadcasts thereby fooling the public that it is a live telecast. Shah adds that VNRs are used not only by government agencies, but also by companies who have the financial clout and influence to get their point across. It could be for the purpose of building brand image, or promote company policies. In any instance, media manipulation is done to provide a an image that an individual or organization has a clean image. What is notable is that media manipulation has most impact in international politics. Television networks and the media in general showed the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein in bad light. TV and media networks portrayed this ‘dictator’ as an aggressor intending to conquer neighboring Middle-Eastern countries like Iraq. While this invasion actually happened, the real intention of Saddam Hussein was not clearly represented by the Western Press. A Washington Post article “was taken up by television networks, wire services and press, producing an image that there was no possibility of a diplomatic solution and that decisive action was needed to protect Saudi Arabia from the aggressive Iraqis” (Kellner, 202). What is interesting is that modern technology has only provided an impetus or support regarding media manipulation. While simple editing techniques used to be the norm in the earlier days, technology has become a handy tool in manipulation. (Mighty Optical Illusions) It should be noted that the veracity or accuracy of the above set of photographs is not authenticated. These were randomly selected as an example of images can show mixed or even distorted images of a given situation. In the first and middle pictures, a gun is pointed at the head of a soldier, who could be a prisoner of war. The man is shown as being given water, but with the precaution that he should not do anything harmful. The last picture (extreme right) shows the same scene with the gun cropped off the picture. The message portrayed is one of humane considerations. Without a proper (or with a misleading caption), a wounded colleague or even enemy is being treated in a kindly manner. In other words, the first two pictures indicate that the man is potentially dangerous while the last shot does not show any such indication. The argument is that it is not the media itself that manipulates the masses. It is those who control the media the ultimately decides what is shown to the public . The following quote from Enzenberger will illustrate the point. “There is no such thing as un-manipulated, writing, filming or broadcasting The question is therefore the media not the media are manipulated, but who manipulates them”. (Berger, 50). The above observations obdurate that the media has the power to influence and manipulate the masses. It has grown to such an extent that the media has power to not only influence, but manipulate public opinion. Technical options: There are many technical options that the media can adopt to alter images. Software like Photoshop can be used to provide a mistaken view of the actual situation. It can be said that the media can be used taking into consideration, the technologies available today to distort print media, and the any images and movies that are shown in public visual medias like television and the internet. The problem as mentioned earlier is not with the technology available. It is basically the intention of the publisher, whether it is a private corporation or a government agency. Any person or group with the technical knowledge to manipulate the media can influence public opinion. Those organizations, whether public or private have the prerogative of providing images and visuals that is to their advantage. In this electronic age, there are many technologies and software available that can distort or manipulate images. High tech films like ‘Avatar’ are examples that can influence young persons, if technology can be used for entertainment, the same technology can be used to misinform viewers. The basic conclusion is as follows. The intention of the perpetuator of information is at fault. Technology is only a tool that has been misused in this context. But what is of concern is that the general public should be aware that technology can be used as a tool to influence and even manipulate public opinion. Conclusion: The paper reviewed the influence of the print and visual media regarding distortion of images in order to influence and manipulate public opinion. It can be seen that those individuals and organization that have the capacity and power over technology and more basically, public opinion, can use this powerful medium in two ways. They can actually present the true picture or they can manipulate the visual (and Print) media to their advantage. What is to be noted here from the above observations is that, those in positions of power, whether in governance or business, should not misuse the power of the media to their advantage. What is obvious is that this state of affairs has been misused. The power of the judiciary and the concept of freedom of expression has resulted in misrepresentation of facts in the media. Technology only helps in promoting this aspect. It is felt that, only a long term view that include representation from a whole range of groups like sociologists, psychologists, politicians, media, and common citizens, will find a long lasting solution to this issue. Until then, the issue will surface, irrespective of the country or region in which the media (especially visual) operates in. References Berger, Arthur. Media analysis techniques . 2005. SAGE, Print Kellner, Douglas. Media Culture. 2000. New York: Routledge, 2000. Print. "Media manipulation illusion example." Mighty Optical Illusions. Mighty Optical Illusions, 2011. Web. 17 Jun 2011. http://www.moillusions.com/2010/01/media-manipulation-illusion-example.html/media-manipulation-optical-illusion Shah, Anup. "Global Issues." Media manpulation. GlobalIssues.org, 2006. Web. 17 Jun 2011. http://www.globalissues.org/article/532/media-manipulation#WidespreadUseofVideoNewsReleasesByCorporationsandGovernmentAgencies Read More