The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Attitudes - Annotated Bibliography Example

Running Header: THE IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA ON SOCIAL ATTITUDES The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Attitudes BY YOU YOUR SCHOOL INFO HERE DATE HERE The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Attitudes Social media, such as Facebook, provides society with a new and revolutionary forum to discuss attitudes, opinions, and emotions regarding personal or social scenarios. Online news sites, such as CNN International, provide a plethora of information to members of society that is easily accessible using mobile devices or computers which has changed the scope of communications about relevant news information in an environment that is convenient and highly updatable in real-time. The problem with this form of information technology, however, is that over-reliance on social media can skew attitudes to fit the beliefs and opinions of others rather than properly assessing the relevancy and accuracy of electronic media sources. Even highly-credible news sites, such as CNN International, provide blogs on many online news articles that allow consumers to share their sentiment about a news story; whether practical or outrageous. Hence, I determined that it would be interesting examine the impact of electronic media on social attitudes. Traditional media sources provided society with unbiased information about newsworthy events that stated simply facts (rather than in-depth editorials) which allowed society to make realistic judgments and alter their opinion based on factual data. However, today, consumers are accessing various social media posting and blogs which distort making logical determinations in a social context. It is necessary, for social stability, for consumers to be sensible when forming attitudes related to electronic media content otherwise we, as a society, could be preposterous in making any relevant and satisfactory social change. I first became interested in this topic when I came across several news articles about the alleged unethical behaviours of the multi-national retailer Abercrombie & Fitch. This company positions itself in its highly saturated competitive market as a retailer that is exclusive, offering high quality products to consumer segments that are driven to make purchases based on vanity-inspired characteristics related to youth markets. One example includes the company selling pre-teen undergarments with phrases such as “Eye Candy”. Most recently, the CEO of the company publicly stated, sternly, that the company did not want heavy-set people wearing its clothing as it could serve to cheapen the brand image, which angered many different special interest groups and general society members internationally. After looking through blogs associated with this news content, I came to quickly realize that many in society were acting illogically using psychologically inappropriate responses to the electronic information about the company rather than making practical judgments about the tangible facts of the business strategy. I further examined reputable and credible electronic news organizations that were reporting on these allegations of unethical behaviour and noticed that consumer sentiment was allowed to be posted at the end of the article electronically. Some of the responses were vulgar and rather ridiculous, however many of the readers were adopting the same illogical sentiment which illustrated how easily members of society can be influenced by the electronic social condition. I began to pursue examination of electronic media, using search terms such as blog, common social exclamations ranging from such words as ridiculous, outrageous or incredible to see if it would return on outlandish social commentaries in response to these allegations. I was rather flabbergasted at the volume of defaming comments and irrational emotional responses to simple news reporting that was available online which could have easily served to coerce social sentiment from society members that are highly influenced by the social condition. I soon found these commentaries allowed on quality electronic news organization websites which could easily skew society members making logical decisions about real-life newsworthy situations. After seeing these patterns of unreasonable discussions, I developed a thesis that electronic media can pose a challenge to mature and logical thinking in a society. This thesis was developed as a result of the plethora of social commentaries in a wide variety of electronic sources that showed this troubling pattern of making biased and impractical judgments. The thesis did not need to be changed as the more searches through electronic media, the more irrationality began to present itself. When examining relevant journals of the phenomenon, I discovered a recognized theory known as conspicuous consumption whereby individuals buy high cost products to show society members they are successful and sophisticated (O’Cass and McEwen, 2004). It was becoming quite clear that the influence of social sentiment radically skew one’s perception of their societal role which strongly persuades some society members to make irrational decisions. What is most surprising is that I discovered companies applaud this and attempt to exploit desires for social approval as a means of selling more products and building relationships with consumers. Therefore, with both social and corporate support, few seem to believe that this phenomenon is problematic, hence no solutions are being proposed. Through this effort, my personal competency in researching has been enhanced, being able to compare theory with real-world events which improved my aptitude for conducting qualitative analysis. Cross-comparisons to theoretical perspectives and tangible social scenarios taught me to perform more proficient analyses of data. I began to be able to separate bias and focus more on facts which has improved my ability to remove preconceptions from analysis processes. Annotated Bibliography OCass, A. and McEwen, H (2004). Exploring Consumer Status and Conspicuous Consumption, Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 4(1), pp. 25–39. This journal article describes the phenomenon of status consumption whereby consumers make decisions about what types of products to purchase based on their social status comparisons with reference groups in society. The authors, both experts in marketing research and psychographics, simply state facts about how the social condition is highly influential in changing social attitudes. The article iterates that social sentiment and opinion is not just important in youth consumers, but for older demographics and these reference groups can strongly influence decision-making. I feel this to be problematic and the article supports my world view about the dangers of relying too heavily on social evaluations. Unfortunately, this particular article is supportive of the corporate philosophy that it is acceptable to exploit human psychology and sociological factors to sell more product, essentially taking advantage of social weaknesses to further corporate agendas. This article supports the thesis as it tends to illustrate the role that society has in influencing social decision-making and, through acceptance of this phenomenon as seemingly illustrated in this literature source, no positive changes are being implemented in broader society to bring about more informed and mature decision-making. This article would be used to support the thesis that social reference groups are substantially potent for decision-making by others. Suls, J., Martin, R. & Wheeler, L. (2002). Social Comparison: Why, with Whom, and with what Effect?, Current Directions in Psychological Science, 11(5), pp.159-163. This journal article was presented by experts in psychology who conducted a research study to determine how individuals evaluate their role in society as compared to others. It is proposed in the study that an individual’s self-concept and even psychological feelings of personal well-being are enhanced by their social standing and relative standing in society. This article is credible as it provides knowledge stemming from a wide variety of research studies previously conducted on this phenomenon and serves to reinforce the thesis that social sentiment plays a major role in social decision-making. This article sparked an emotional response, as, chronologically, it was becoming apparent that the sentiment of social actors absolutely influence one’s opinion as the social environment is a catalyst for how an individual responds to social opinion. This article, as well, provides thesis support that social factors can easily influence decision-making whether logical or irrational. Winston, F. (2013). Kirstie Alley Slams Abercrombie & Fitch for CEOs Anti-Fat Remarks, US Magazine. Retrieved March 20, 2014 from http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-style/news/kirstie-alley-slams-abercrombie-and-fitch-for-ceos-anti-fat-remarks-2013155 US Magazine maintains an electronic news presence focusing on celebrity activities both domestic and global. It serves as a relevant source as it indicates that important reference figures, such as Hollywood celebrities, strongly influence decision-making. This article describes how famous American actress, Kirstie Alley, a celebrity who faced historical social mockery for being overweight, informed through electronic media that she and her children would boycott Abercrombie & Fitch for its stance on overweight consumers. It is relevant due to the fact that more and more famous individuals are posting their opinions on Twitter and blogs which influences social decision-making. This article, however, seems to be focusing on the controversy from an unbiased perspective, only reporting the events of celebrity sentiment as they occurred. Offered one consumer on the article blog about the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, “his face looks like it got hit by a dump truck” (Winston, p.3). Offered another, “Kirstie has more clout than that CEO. She can buy and sell the man a thousand times over” (Winston, p.3). There is no factual assessment in these evaluations, simply emotional responses with irrational psychological response to Alley’s influential comments, thus providing a relevant support for the thesis. Stanton, K. (2013). Kirstie Alley slams Abercrombie & Fitch CEOs Controversial Comments, United Press International. Retrieved March 21, 2014 from http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/05/15/Kirstie-Alley-slams-Abercrombie-and-Fitch-CEOs-controversial-comments/2691368667876/ This article, from a non-biased international news agency, reports on further events involved with Kirstie Alley condemning Abercrombie & Fitch for its anti-heavyset commentaries. It provides further credibility that Alley was actively engaged in making public statements that could potentially serve to influence social opinion about the company without making examination into the real-world activities of the firm. What is most interesting and supportive of the thesis is that a blogger at the end of the article wrote of the celebrity, “I could only dream of breathing the same air as her” whilst jumping on the notion that Abercrombie & Fitch was being unethical (Stanton, p.2). This article, whilst being unbiased and practical of providing facts without opinion, illustrates the absolutely importance of social reference groups for decision-making. As a research tool, it illustrates the complexities of irrational responses and psychologically-motivated decision-making tools that stem from the social environment. I personally believe that this article’s attached blog entries illustrate the problems with making illogical decisions about a topic of which many in society do not fully understand completely. LeTrent, S. (2013). Attractive and Fat Ad Spoofs Abercrombie, CNN Living. Retrieved March 21, 2014 from http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/23/living/abercrombie-attractive-and-fat This article, from a reputable international news organization, illustrates how members of society begin engaging in anti-corporate sentiment as a result of social opinion. A blogger spoofed the organization, using a heavyset actress, in a provocative position, behind a banner stating, Attractive and Fat. This news article, though unbiased, is critical for supporting the thesis and is relevant as one blogger stated, in response to other illogical postings, “It is moronic because one should have an individual opinion. Make conclusions based on your own research and experience, do not just agree” (LeTrent, p.3). The main premise of the research study is to focus on why social sentiment is a detriment to logical decision-making. If we are to examine this phenomenon or controversy from all angles, we gain support from those in society who also believe that ill-informed, social bandwagon decision-making is irresponsible. I personally believe at the emotional level that those who are wise enough to post that reference groups are dangerous for society, it could promote more effective social change as it relates to using electronic media as the sole decision-making force in one’s lifestyle. Resick, C.J., Hanges, P.J., Dickson, M.W. and Mitchelson, J.K. (2006). A cross-cultural examination of the endorsement of ethical leadership, Journal of Business Ethics, 63, pp.345-359. These professionals in the theory of business ethics state that in order for a company to be considered ethical, it must respect the dignity and rights of others. In Western cultures, they assert, one is not considered to be an ethical leader unless they have conformed to the aforesaid principles. The article is informative and relevant as it describes that other mitigating factors might be catalysts for what changes social opinion. Social media offering a plethora of social comments about Abercrombie & Fitch reinforces the social norm of what constitutes ethical business behaviour. I believe that if we are to examine this phenomenon from all angles, we must also consider that reference groups, alone, might not be enough to change social sentiment as part of responsible research activity and methodology. This article lends potential support that consumers make decisions based on electronic media as it pertains to fundamental social values shared by the majority. Swoyer, C. (2003). Relativism, Section 1.2, Stanford University. Retrieved March 20, 2014 from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/relativism/#1.2 In keeping with the notion that established Western ethics could sway social opinion, this article was posted by a professor at Stanford University which provides more credibility. It discusses moral relativism, the stance that there cannot be a singular definition of ethics and morality imposed on every global society since not all cultures share these fundamental norms and values. We should, according to the article, therefore, be tolerant of differing opinions without making judgments based on established ethical and moral beliefs. I personally believe this article provides excellent support for differing viewpoints related to social sentiment. If we are to assume that society might be influenced by more than reference group opinion in the electronic media environment, we should also consider the viability and relevancy of using established social norms to judge others (such as Abercrombie & Fitch). It reminds society, logically, that the foundation of judgment for unethical behaviours (whether legitimate or alleged) is not sufficient for making social determinations. Fleischacker, S. (2011). Adam smith and cultural relativism, Erasmus Journal for Philosophy and Economics, 4(2), pp.20-41. Fleischacker, awarded the Joseph B. Gittler Award for excellence in contributions in the field of philosophy, reminds society of the corporate position that has evolved over time. Adam Smith, an 18th century business theorist, suggested that the only real obligation of a corporation is to ensure profitability so that any future benefit to broader society can be sustainable. However, there is a growth in demand from stakeholders of these corporations to be philanthropic and provide greater return to benefit society. If we are to view the corporate situation, then it would appear that Smith was correct and Abercrombie & Fitch was only performing its right to ensure profitability without necessarily being considerate of social sentiment. I would offer from a personal perspective that if researchers are to be responsible, they must also view the controversy from a wide variety of angles. Abercrombie leadership does not believe they violated any unethical principles and, perhaps, electronic media sources should provide more evidence of corporate needs to better inform those who rely on social media to build an opinion. This literature source provides the comparison and contrast necessary for an unbiased research project that views the situation from multiple perspectives. Henslin, J.M. (2014). Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach (12th ed.). Toronto: A&B Publishing. This academic textbook written by James M. Henslin, an educator at Southern Illinois University, describes the phenomenon of social reference groups as a normal and healthy method of defining one’s place in society. Matter of factly, the author recognizes this as a legitimate social phenomenon that plays a role in healthy adulthood and positive socialization. Henslin lends support to the thesis with his experiences in sociology and sociological education suggesting that referring to social reference groups is acceptable and normal within a society. Hence, as a responsible researcher, we should absolutely consider that the social opinion formed through electronic media is something that has no solution since it seems to be a foundational aspect of human behaviour. As a reference that considers multiple perspectives, Henslin seems to be pointing toward this as a recurring and long-standing phenomenon with complex psychological variables that are simply a part of the human lifestyle. Whilst I personally believe this is problematic in society, Henslin suggests that lack of reference group comparisons could cause more problems with well-adjusted members of society in the long-run. Huan, D.B. & Tomasello, M. (2011). Conformity to Peer Pressure in Preschool Children, Child Development, 82(6), pp.1759-1767. This article lends further support that adults often conform to the sentiment and opinion of important reference groups. This article is credible as it is government-supported from the ERIC Institute of Educational Sciences which informs government of educational improvement opportunities domestically and internationally. Hence, there is considerable experience in sociology and human behaviour from the authors of these informative articles. The article describes that these desires are instilled very early in youth, which could theoretically make it difficult to potentially undo the desire to base many important decisions (in adulthood) based on social sentiment. From a personal perspective, based on the findings of this research project, more might have to be done with youths in order to change the need to gain social approval as a preventative measure in an environment where poor decision-making is being formulated as a result of electronic media sources. As a research support tool, the article lends support that the catalysts for referring to social group opinion and sentiment begins very early in childhood and carries on into adulthood. Read More