Introduction
As we live in a social world where people communicate on a daily basis, not only with friends and relatives, but also with people who may be oceans apart from them, sharing and receiving news becomes an integral part of our life, and it is difficult to overestimate the importance and significance of media nowadays. Undoubtedly, media affects virtually all spheres of our life and helps one feel a part of a community. Unless we live on a deserted island, it is impossible to detach ourselves from the ubiquitous hands of the media, and I believe that it is absolutely essential to study it.
Analysis
The perception of media may be multi-folded and even controversial. While some people use it merely for entertainment, others view it as sources for receiving fresh news. Aside from these trivial purposes, media may also be used as a dangerous tool in the hands of devious and manipulating individuals.
As we live in a global age where media knows no borders, a lot of arguments may be put forward justifying the need to study media, the most important ones, in my opinion, will be summarized in this paper.
The first argument in favor of studying media lies in the fact that the media itself is a multi-faceted notion that comprises an array of disciplines, such as video and audio production, advertising and marketing, management of events, and PR (Verma, 2012). With this in mind, studying media implies obtaining insight into an array of vital areas that will help one excel and achieve a better position in life. Majoring in media does not necessarily imply working on TV or in a local newspaper. The knowledge of media, and how it works makes one more equipped for future life and presents a multitude of career opportunities in marketing, managerial positions, advertising, and many others.
Another argument in favor of studying media may be backed up by findings that free media is correlated with economic development (Coyne & Leeson, 2004). The research into media freedom in various countries indicated that an abundance of media sources and the ability for media representatives to speak what is on their minds make politicians more conscious and law-abiding. People in developed countries such as Great Britain, the US, Canada, or France extensively use media for their voices to be heard and views to be shared. Coyne and Leeson (2004) note that “independent media may serve to strengthen existing institutions or lead to further development” (p. 27). Students need to realize that promoting and increasing the number of media sources lead to a more transparent society where informed and efficient decisions are taken.
Another compelling argument for students to engage in media studies stems from the fact that media may be used as a powerful tool for resolving global conflicts and uniting nations to stand up to global threats such as terrorism, world poverty, regional conflicts, etc. With time, media proved to be a powerful geopolitical motive for governments to intervene and tackle global issues (Puddephatt, 2006). A newscast about a child struggling hopelessly with cancer may trigger an immediate international reaction, and he will be transported to one of the best hospitals for surgery to be conducted by eminent doctors. Similarly, media coverage of a certain event which is in blatant violation of human rights may result in the international community sending troops to curb the wrongdoings. The media brings the entire nations under the spotlight, thus making politicians and decision-makers more accountable and responsible for their actions. There are numerous examples when top-rank politicians were brought to trial for the crimes against humanity, and if it wasn’t for the media spotlight, they’d continue violating the law with total impunity.
In today’s diverse world which presents us with an abundance of information sources, it is becoming more and more essential for students to learn how the media realm works. For modern students who are not familiar with the ways of media, it may be challenging to navigate through an array of information sources and spot a truly objective coverage of events. Only by studying media may we be able to sieve through tons of information and select only what is truly relevant. Students, who choose to ignore media as a discipline, and assume that it is self-explanatory and teaches nothing, maybe manipulated and tricked by the media due to their lack of knowledge. Media may contain as much value as it contains harm to an oblivious reader. There are numerous examples of the hoax and falsified information deliberately spread by the media to trigger an expected reaction. People who lack education in media studies may be easily manipulated and deceived. With this in mind, media studies for students may be used as a compass to navigate towards the right direction, and not to get lost in the information vacuum.
Aside from studying media, one also needs to be educated on the ways how to use media most efficiently. It is important to realize that it is common for media sources to be driven by the market, meaning that they provide information that is in demand by the user. Very often news coverage slashes important government and foreign news coverage replacing them by trivial celebrity gossip (Altman, 2005). Current media is highly dependent on the market trends and financial gain that is, media sources may overload you with the information which is not important, but which they were paid to build hype about. Realizing this may help you use media as a tool for finding what you need, and not what the media tries to impose on you.
Media critics may claim that all of the media sources are fake, false, and profit-driven. Some people may dive into absurdity attempting to guard themselves against the media by refusing to have a TV or killing off the Internet hoping to live in total isolation. One may as well try to live without breathing. If we live in a community, there is no way for us to be isolated from a community, and at the same time be a part of it. Rather than labeling media as the root of all evil or, conversely, the panacea for all problems, we need to be able to use it in ways that are most efficient for us.
Conclusion
Media is an integral part of our life, and it is truly unique as compared to other subjects. Media is so multi-faceted that it may require pages and pages in order to describe the areas that it comprises. The statement that media is either good or bad presents an intriguing contradiction because media’s harm or value depends on how we choose to use it. To sum up, studying media is crucial for anyone wishing to better understand the intricate world that we live in.
Reference List
Altman, H. (2005). Celebrity Culture Are Americans Too Focused on Celebrities? Web.
Coyne, C. J., & Leeson, P. T. (2004). Read all about it: Understanding the Role of Media in Economic Development.Kyklos, 57(1), 21-44. Web.
Puddephatt, A. (2006). Voices of war: Conflict and the role of the media. Web.
Verma, M. (2012). Three Benefits of Studying Mass Communication. Web.