The effects of the mass media with the help of technology are negative in the society. The negative effects of the mass media range from erosion of societal ethics, impersonation, and terrorism activities among others. The numerous negative impacts of the mass media far outdo their benefits to society.
The mass media, through various modes of communication, is guilty of failing to maintain ethics in the manner in which they run their activities. As individuals consume the vast amount of information relied through various media, they may turn out to be so overwhelmed by negative pictures of violence and crime. This creates the thought that the actual world is a mean place (Galician, 2004. pg. 59).
Secondly, advertisements whether digital or printed lead to the negative portrayal of women in society. The sex object is a shell. Wrinkles or lines would be an indication that unpleasant taste or poor judgment that makes her look older. The portrayal of the ideal woman is one who has no scars or blemishes.
She is thin, tall and long-legged. Above all, she is youthful. As a result, women forcefully emulate this epitome: feeling guilty and embarrassed if they fail. The main approach of mass media towards sex is pornographic. The wide presence of sex in advertisements ignores its importance as a significant human creativity (Morton, 2011. pg. 156).
One of the greatest risks of the social media is that of impersonation. An individual may, therefore, end up strongly attached to individuals with fake profiles. This has a profound effect on the victim when he or she finally finds out the truth; a common occurrence in online dating sites. Young adults who excessively use social network sites are more likely to display more symptoms of psychological disorders. Such disorders include antisocial behaviors, mania and aggressive tendencies (Valenzuela, 2008. pg. 39).
Most people believe that the benefits of mass media outweigh its disadvantages. They cite reasons such as the closing of distance between continents, its impact in eradication of corruption in public offices, sharing of information among others. However, all these benefits have their downside. One way or the other, personal interests of individuals far outweigh the benefits.
Groups and individuals who support the positive impact of mass media on society cite various reasons. In some areas of the world, social network sites have performed a crucial role in achieving social change. Although these intentions turn out positive, the excessive use of advertisements to take advantage of such initiatives neutralizes the positive impact. This occurs due to the negative pictures portrayed by corporations in their advertisements as well as political mislead by dishonest politicians.
Mass media plays a decisive role in energizing citizens to monitor the actions of officeholders and use this evidence in their voting resolutions. This can enhance government accountability and responsiveness to its citizens’ needs. Such platforms often end up misleading the society due to the interference of self-centred, politically inclined individuals in the media industry.
Mass media, through the internet, advertisements, television, radio and other public means of communication, is guilty of various negative effects in the society. They lead to erosion of social ethics, promotion of individual interests and facilitation of terrorism activities. Though there are few positive influences, the harmful outcomes overwhelm the society.
References
Galician, M. (2004). Sex, Love & Romance in the Mass Media: Analysis & Criticism of Unrealistic Portrayals & Their Influence. New York: Routledge. (Print).
Morton, W. R. E. (2011). Society, Ethics, and Technology. New Delhi: Cengage Learning. (Print).
Valenzuela, S. (2008). Lessons from Facebook: The Effect of Social Network Sites on College Students’ Social Capital1, 39. (Print).