Rising crime and continued racist and sexist actions within the greater society is commonly seen as a direct effect of the media pimping ideas to sell products. Many critics blame the media for creating a false reality to sustain audiences however, the media is constantly reflecting back what is already there in society. Michael O’Shaughnessy and Jane Standler examine this debate in the textbook Media and Society- 5th edition. The media we want is fed back to us within the media’s reflection of our society.
The media acts as a reflection to keep audiences entertained, as it helps shape and interpret the world around them in a way they can understand. Admittedly, sometimes the reflection can be amplified for greater viewer consumption, however “they (the media) simply act as a mirror of society, or a window on the world” (43). Media consumption has risen due to greater availability through affordability, and with that, the need for programs and advertisements to entertain the public is in large demand. Potential programs and advertisements are put through rigorous testing to see what the people want, and examine the complexities in relation to how it relates to the world (59).
Although the media is commonly blamed for creating negative content in their agenda setting, media manipulation is influenced by factors regarding greater aspects of society (25). The reflection of our world shapes what we see, and so we are fed the media that we want and have (in essence) created. If we did not watch these programs, or show interest in them they would not be on air.
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