Blog Post #9: Mainstream Media

Many people rely on Mainstream media to inform them on what is occurring in their country and around the globe. A large majority of information can be spread from friends, family, television networks, and so on. News is a dominant force in shaping an individual's opinion and how a person consumes information. For example, someone whose ideology is more on the left side will watch CNN to get their news and FOX News for more right wingers. These networks provide news that the individual wants to hear to keep them watching and entertained. Mainstream media has far reaching implications, some may be beneficial and others can be concerning, which leads to backlash, affecting individuals and society as a whole.      

There are many positive effects that Mainstream media has, which includes reaching a wide range of audience relaying important information to millions to inform them. “Before mass media, you could live your entire life knowing nothing about the world outside of your village. Now, we are all connected.” People also use news stations to learn about emergencies such as incoming natural disasters or public health concerns in food or diseases. Mainstream media provides instant updates around the clock which can lead to lives being saved. Another important effect is how people can get information on political coverage, global issues and also having democratic engagement to the audience. Another important benefit is investigative journalism, where journalists are incentivized to dig up dirt on people or things, such as corruption in government or corporate malpractice.

There are many positives to mainstream media, however this comes with negative effects. Despite its advantages, MSM has many drawbacks and downsides networks don’t want the viewer to see. One primary issue is how biased certain networks are that support one group's ideas entirely. Which leads to people having completely different ideologies on societies and certain topics, which leads to division throughout a country. Today, people can’t even sit down to listen to one another without getting into one's face and screaming. Personally I feel news networks do this on purpose to brainwash and control people’s thoughts and ideas on the matter. The media can lie to one's face, that is why I don’t trust the media entirely, due to the fact networks do this on purpose to help people get more votes or tarnish one's name to destroy an individual's career.

Gender, sexuality, and ethnicity also shape how people experience media. “The problem isn’t specific factual errors, either. The central problem is that the mainstream media’s standard operating standard is to use selective presentation to spread absurd views about practically everything that matters.” Over the years Mainstream media has perpetuated stereotypes of certain communities of people. By marginalizing minorities and LGBTQ+ communities, there have been progressive acts towards inclusivity, there are still challenges to be faced. One example is how women are still underrepresented in positions of power in the media, and there are portrayals often reinforcing gender norms. There is a sense of exclusion among these groups in the media today but there is a change rising up. 

Personally I don’t care about mainstream media. I tend not to watch any network. I believe that news platforms all lie to persuade their audience to agree with their ideology. They try to brainwash your ideas, its both sides, left and right. There is so much misleading information these days, you don’t even know if what you're listening to is the truth. This has shifted our country into two sides. Everyone is now completely divided, there is no in-between these days. While older individuals tend to trust long established newspapers and younger adults lean towards streaming platforms and social media, such as instagram, twitter, or even youtube. 

    

Ultimately mainstream media is a double edged sword, as an indispensable tool for information and a tool for progress when wielded responsibly. Mainstream media also is a force of division and misinformation when misused. I believe the media will never change, even in another century it will be the same way. It's how you go by your day and use what information you receive. “As much as mass media can connect us with people all over the world, it can disconnect us from the people right in front of us.” Never trust the media, it will try to manipulate your thoughts and ideas. The media will try to control you and make you hear what you want to hear, so it is imperative that you find sources you can trust and always stay informed.