Quiz
The greatest consequence of printing lay in the different modes of thought and perception that it fostered
This means that every communication medium is associated with a diverse way of looking at the surrounding. In this context, the medium is the message. When one reads any printed material, the action is executed in order from left to right. This is typically the system except for a few languages. The thoughts involved in reading are founded on the individualâs view of the surroundings and pre-knowledge.
Describe the 1985 American Psychological Association resolution relating to televised violence
Watching violent television programs result in violent behaviors in teenagers. The American Psychological Association adopted the resolution after a study by the National Institute of confirmed the same results by the Surgeon General (CMU, 1999). Both studies indicated that teenagers become insensitive to the suffering of others, become fearful of their surroundings, and are likely to act violently towards others. Teenagers who watch violent programs are less aroused and tend to perceive violence as a normal occurrence (Gross, 2013).
Explain how television has fundamentally altered the political process
Television gives politicians the opportunity to influence the political beliefs of voters by speaking to them directly. Political ads influence the voting trends of undecided voters. In addition, adverts disillusion the voters because of the negative tone of adverts and political commentary that make the voters terminate their interest in politics (Sailor, 1998). The trivialization of political processes that transpire when televisions dictate the elementary style of dialogue and understanding presents the ultimate threat to democracy.
Define the concept of ânet neutrality.â What are some of the consequences of its absence?
Net neutrality refers to the guiding principle of the Internet. The principle upholds the right of every internet user to communicate with others online. The principle calls upon internet suppliers to offer unlocked-networks that are not subject to discrimination or blocking against the content or application, which passes through such networking.
The absence of net neutrality is detrimental not only to internet users but also it infringes on the very freedom of speech to the whole society. In its absence, telephone, and cable corporations would slice the web services to make the net-paths either sluggish or debauched. In this regard, an internet service provider could obstruct political opinions it does not favor.
Social networks can promote stability within a society by forging and strengthening linkages between individuals. At the same time, however, they can be powerful tools for undermining an existing social order
Social networks have played a significant role in strengthening social bonds among those who interact. Considering the busy schedule in the contemporary world people have to contend with, social networks offer relief to individuals. It is hard to refute the fact that social media is of great significance to humanity given that it acts as a means of communication across the globe. At a time when the social fabric was being jeopardized by many daily routines, the avenue for interacting albeit virtually comes as a relief for many. An Indian expatriate, for example, working in New York needs a functional technology that enables most expatriates to communicate with the family.
The virtual revolution
How has technology changed our communication? Discuss issues such as quantity, quality and accessibility.
Modern technology such as mobile devices and the internet have culminated in a significant change in the way we communicate. The technology has detached the inherent face-to-face communication (Nayab, 2014). It has destroyed the meaningfulness of personal interactions. It has disconnected individuals from the immediate surroundings. In addition, it has led to a looming sense of isolation from the immediate society. A user on Facebook may boast about the number of friends one has. However, the quantity and quality of information he gets from these âfriendsâ may not justify having such a huge number of ârelationsâ.
Discuss some of the advantages and benefits associated with the development and widespread use of the World Wide Web.
The World Wide Web allows millions of people to access information instantly unlike other communication media that are limited to geographical locations. On the web, information can be accessed from any part of the world upon posting on the internet.
In contrast, what are some of the disadvantages and potential negative effects?
Accessing the internet can expose one to excess and unnecessary information that wastes one’s time. It is challenging to prioritize and filter information. Free access to most websites is not regulated. In fact, most websites have disclaimers regarding the information they convey. Therefore, the quality of information is not guaranteed (Farran, 2001).
The use of the internet exposes the user to private or personal information infringement. There is theft of data. The virus on the internet poses a risk to the functioning of computers and the loss of data. Computers used to access the internet may be damaged. The exposure to the huge pornographic materials leads to deterioration of morals. Internet users may receive many unsolicited emails from spammers. The World Wide Web possesses extensive content. Some of the information is not filtered. It may not be appropriate for consumption by some people in the community including children.
Video games and how they affect behavior
Video games tend to be efficient teachers of aggressive behaviors. When children engage in violent video games, they tend to replicate the same in real life. To them, real-life situations are akin to video games where nobody is actually hurt (Toppo, 2015).
Are violent video games more harmful than violent TV programs and films?
Video games are more harmful than violent TV programs because TV watching is a passive action. Getting actively involved in video games presents the human mind with better learning. In addition, those who play violent video games are inclined to identify with a fierce character. When such an individual is a shooter, the challenger perceives a similar pictorial aspect of a murderer. Finally, video games in most cases tend to reward aggressive and unacceptable behaviors. When the player accomplishes a mission, he is awarded points. The player may also be allowed to continue to the next level. Naturally, a reward for an action augments the rates at which such actions occur. On the contrary, watching TV is not directly associated with the behavior of the viewer (Bushman, 2012).
Reflect on violent video games
The relationship amid increased violence and engaging in ferocious video games was established with the help of the APA in 2015. It decreases prosocial behavior, sensitivity to hostility and empathy. Research acknowledges that there are various risk factors of aggression. Playing violent video games is among the factors that have been observed to increase aggressive behaviors (Anderson & Bushman, 2001).
There is a strong link between violent video games and depression and addiction. The high-risk behavior emanating from violent video games such as unhealthy eating leads to depression and sedentary life. There is also the inclination to repugnant that may result in killing and maiming to get the feeling of the heroes in the video games.
On the other hand, some research claims that violent video games can have positive effects on children. The videos can be strong brain-training tools. Video games can improve cognitive skills including task switching, concentration, multitasking, navigation, and visual attention. Some scholars hold that the right kind of video games may have unmatched educational value. Engaging in these video games presents a mental exercise that prepares children for life off-screen.
Engaging in video games for an extended time makes the player be socially isolated. The player has less time for engaging in other activities such as reading and interacting with others. When the players interact with others, the wrong values acquired from these games such as aggression and vengeance come to play. The players do not uphold values such as negotiating as well as negotiation non-violently. Intense video game players use violent means to assert their positions.
References
Anderson, C., & Bushman, B. (2001). Effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, physiological arousal, and prosocial behavior: A meta-analytic review of the scientific literature. Psychological Science, 12, 353-359. Web.
Bushman, B. (2012). Do violent video games increase aggression? Web.
CMU (1999). Violence on television: What do children learn and what can parents do? Web.
Farran, A. (2001). Advantages and disadvantages of the world wide web. Web.
Gross, G. (2013). Violence on television and how it can affect your children. Web.
Nayab, N. (2014). How communication has evolved with new technologies. Web.
Sailor, M. (1998). How did the advent of television impact politics? Web.
Toppo, G. (2015). Conventional wisdom suggests violent media is harming kids, but sometimes a game is just a game. Web.