Media of all sorts affect how we think and live. In researching for a project, I've learned about how media affects our minds and causes us to take action based on what we see and hear. The theory states that everyone is directly affected by the media around us. This is true whether we recognize it or not. The things we view and hear influence our actions and shape our opinions. This theory is also true when we consider the news we watch.
When listening to the news, whether on TV, radio or, on the internet, we mold our opinions on certain topics based on their presentation. One rule about news is that it contains others' biases. The newscasters perform their job by presenting the stories of the day. Certain people decide what news is important and what isn't because they do not have time to cover everything. In addition, the people telling us about the stories include their own comments and emphasize some parts of the stories.
The news we hear contain others' opinions, but these opinions affect our own thoughts. This is most easily seen during the presidential campaigns. People in the newsroom have their own thoughts on each of the candidates. If you base your opinion on candidates solely on what you hear on the news channels, your opinions will nearly match those of the news. News stations tend to focus more on one campaign more than the other. They say plenty of good about one yet will give the other little attention. After hearing so much about those candidates, people's opinions toward that person will likely lean in his direction. There are people who research the candidates in other places, but others have formed their thoughts already on what they have heard. It is hard to change your mind after you hear something for the first time. First impressions are important. If you hear something one way on the news, it is likely you will hold that opinion yourself if that is the only opinion you have heard.
Listening to the news will not shape your whole outlook on everything, but may have some influence on your views. The news gives their story, but it is important that you listen closely to what they have to say. Do not take everything they say as truth. They are only human and can make mistakes too. Factor in other opinions, and get a second opinions as well to get a better picture of what is going on.
Perse, E.M. (2001). Media effects and society. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers
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