#1:The Influence of the Mass Media

The mass media has played an important and influential role in the arts and our daily lives- both positively and negatively. The arts which create pop culture is comprised of music, film, books, paintings, etc., and are influenced by the media. For example, lyrical content in songs are affected from what is being portrayed in the media. Musicians are often inspired to write songs about issues that are presented to them like war, love, or death. Writers similarly take media content to express writings in books, magazines, and newspapers. A good example of such a writer is former US president Bill Clinton, who took advantage of the media hype circulating his private life and wrote an autobiography that has sold millions. Even filmmakers use highly publicized events like 9/11, the OJ Simpson trial, or the Jon Benet mystery to create their films.

Besides arts, mass media can also influence other facets of pop culture including fashion and entertainment. It can determine which clothing or hair is stylish for the season. We have seen how it can turn normal individuals into big-time celebrities and make reality programming a hit. Mass media can also influence attitudes on certain issues and encourage or discourage certain activities in their lives. The plethora of advertisements found on TV's, magazines, etc. impact what people will buy upon entering a mall or supermarket. The portrayal of political candidates in either good or bad lighting can easily swing a population's vote and impact the outcome of elections. The mass media can control the mindset of its audiences, pertaining to different significant issues, often in times of war. It can purposely impact the audiences' preferences and tastes until they become mere tools for media moguls to capitalize on their impure intentions- whether in terms of money or plain support. Therefore, mass media is not just influential, it is powerful. Another way in which the mass media negatively impacts our lives pertains to its violent and sexual content. Oftentimes, such recurring images disrupt minds and create dangerous personas, particularly in children. Even the picture-perfect models presented on a daily basis, distorts the image of beauty while creating eating disorders and psychological problems within audience members. Obviously, mass media's pervasive influence on several facets of life can be easily viewed as a disadvantage. The ability to deliver continous messages that may be false or biased, instantaneously to masses of people is a great power that we have seen being misued.

However, on a lighter note, such a power can also be used resourcefully. The mass media provides a phenomenal way to educate the masses on all sorts of issues and news events. Thus, the population can easily and efficiently become more educated and civilized and consequently, society can propser. They can become enlightened with all sorts of information and knowledge that the media offers them. Furthermore, audiences can become informed of important and urgent news that helps them make proper decisions in their lives and protect themselves and their families. Audiences can also be satisfied with all sorts of entertainment options which the media provides whether through TV, radio, books, magazines, computers, etc. To escape the continuous chaos of their lives, people often turn to the media to help them forget about personal problems and enjoy their free time with a good comedy program or thoughtful novel.

Therefore, in other ways, the mass media can offer great advantages that will force it to continue to develop and become a prominent part of our lives.