The Way Mass Media Influences Society

6 Pages 1412 Words

Have you ever had an original thought? Why do we dress the way we do, watch what we watch or even live the way we do? Through our means of entertainment, it is almost a guide in how one should live their life. With the technology we have in our world, we are persuaded to believe what is right and what is wrong. Although we create our own world, our thoughts were imposed upon us since the day we are born. We see images on television and we will do anything to look like that certain someone. It is obvious that our influence on one another is key to our evolution and survival. However in society, our influences on one another have gone beyond ideas needed for simple living. Instead of merely helping us to live more efficient and healthy lives, the media almost makes our decisions for us about our own personal preferences. Although it is good that we have such a variety of choices, some of the ideals in our culture are pressed upon us so heavily and are sometimes even demanded of us that they could leave us with no choice at all. Magazines, television programs, movies and advertising are very well known forms of media and are used constantly in our society to influence our lives.
American magazines were provided for a means for political disgression, and in the 1800s, magazines grew by targeting women. In Seventeen or Cosmopolitan, it gives women tips on fashion, what you should wear on a first date, and how to tell if your boyfriend is cheating on you. Women read these magazines that can easily take over their lives. Women care so much about their appearances, it is fascinating to watch what women will really do to fit in and look good. Women in magazines are usually tall, extremely thin, and their faces are covered in makeup. Women can easily develop insecurities in the way they look and feel about themselves because of magazines. Women choose to read certain magazines according to their interests. However, their interests are usually c...