Media; the ups and downs

The media is something that has a great influence upon our life; Dictionary.com defines it as any kind of communication (in any form: television, radio etc.) that influences people in wide variety. We know the media as something that connects us to others. Cell phones and computers, emails and text messages allow for this. Along with the positive attributes of the media, it is also greatly acknowledged for its negative attributes.

For children, media is no more then the latest TV show or game console, but even something as little as a Barbie commercial has its negative effects. When playing the latest game, children will often immerse themselves within the game and the reality that the game is trying to portray. Because of this, media plays a part in distracting kids when they work, and it also gives children a false sense of realism which could lead to a very confusing childhood. Commercials often have children under a spell as they appeal to the child’s euphorian thoughts causing them to gain an attraction for a certain product. Though there are several negative effects, there are an equal number of positive ones. For example: media has been used to teach children the way of the world, allowing them to see the world in not only media's perspective, but urging them to see the world through their own eyes. The unrealistic things within the media, such as the good guys always win and the world is always a good place are contradicted and questioned by children as they grow, this allows them to understand that the world is not always good and that life is unexpected; they see what reality truly is. Unfortunately this very subject can be contrasted by the fact that the media is portraying a very unrealistic image of the world.