The influence of media

I very much enjoyed the presentation in IDC on Thursday involving the influence of media. I had previously seen some of the commercials that we were analysing and thought nothing much of them. I know media has a great deal of influence on the society, however, I thought by just not caring about the commercial, I would not be influenced. But to my dismay without even thinking I have become a victim like many other people to media's hidden persuasions. Breaking down and analysing the commercials we were able to find the text and the subtext of each of them. The subtext being the hidden message portrayed to society, influencing to make unnecessary choices such as purchases. This message is not always a positive one. The message generally influences the viewers into doing something without even their knowledge. I had seen the Dove and many of the other commercials before, but I really took a liking for the dove ad. Before analysing it in a non bias fashion, I thought the commercial sent out a very positive message about the stereotypical body image and how it has become significantly distorted. Although, after finding the text and subtext of this commercial, I realised that it is sending out a bunch of mixed messages because it also fits in to the stereotypical company that influences the society. I wasn't surprised by the negative or forceful messages that are hidden within the commercials, however, without even realising it, people become trapped into media's forceful grasp. After watching the presentation, I have come to the conclusion that while watching TV, we must do so subjectively, be aware that there is a subtext in many ads and we must not be influenced by such hidden messages.

Media Consumption

I was surprised by the results of my Media Consumption Inventory. I did not realise how much I truly abuse the media. My estimation for the number of hours I spent in an average week consuming PRINT media was extremely close to the actual amount of time. However, the number of hours in an average week consuming ELECTRONIC media was significantly different. I do not spend much time consuming print media although I seem to spend a great amount of time consuming electronic media. The media I seem to consume the most is the hours I spend using the telephone or my cellphone. I also tend to spend a large amount of time surfing the Internet, listening to pre-recorded and watching the television. The hours I spend consuming electronic media could better be spent consuming print media although they both can have a positive and negative effect on my development. The media creates an image appealing to youth which controls the materialism teens incorporate in their daily lives. The media uses the vulnerability and desire to fit in of teens and confirms their self-esteem and discovery. However, the media also provides a positive influence including "Smoking kills", "Don't drink and Drive", and "Don't do Drugs" which are some of the ways that help youth learn the consequences. The media educates individuals about issues that do not arise in day to day conversations.

Multiple Intelligence Tests

After completing several multiple intelligence tests, I came to the conclusion that I learn and operate through communication and group relationships. This means that according to the theory of multiple intelligences developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner; a professor of education at Harvard University, I have an interpersonal intelligence. This means I excel in situations in which I work with others. I learn and work best in talking with people in groups. This would mean that I would not do well in a solitary career. I enjoy getting other people to work together and I generally consider myself a leader. If a person with interpersonal skills had a problem, they would go to others for help, which is why they would make a great producer. They would get the input of others to make the most informed and productive overall choice. Having interpersonal skills I am easy to get to know which is why I work well with others.