Thursday 19 September 2013

1F25 Media Impact

The photo above is the basis of my post. Desensitization by the Media.
http://www.fahadkhan.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Desensitized.jpg
Media is definitely everywhere we go as human beings. From cellphones to laptops or newspapers to books, the ability to access information is surprising. Moreover, the type of information we access varies as well. One can probably get anything they want off of the internet nowadays. All they need to do is “google” or “wiki” or “ask” it. This is a great advantage to have at some times, but other times it has some odd disadvantages. The way that the media portrays breaking news, or other tragic events has really changed my views on that aspect of the world. I feel that people have become more desensitized now than like the 9/11 attacks 12 years ago. When the news showed those stories people were shocked, saddened and some were angered. I know I felt sorry for the people who had loved ones and family members in that incident. The thing is though, as the years go by and more and more of these events happen, whether it be one person or 50 people, some people start just accept it as second nature. They feel like they have heard these stories so many times and they never change so they get used to ho they start and how they end and then start to show less and less feelings for them. I know for myself some stories are still hard for me to listen to, like the Virginia Tech Massacre on April 16th, 2007. The reason I react to these types of stories is because they are students, or children who range anywhere from 5-25. I fit inside that range, what if something like that were to happen where I am at? That is how I think about those types of stories. When I hear about a person 30+ years old has passed away each day it just sounds repetitive and just lowers my sensitivity towards the situation.

This photo is showing that when you are around things often they become habit or become second nature.
http://www.simplypsychology.org/systematic-desensitisation.jpg

The same goes the other way, with good or fascinating stories. Unless it is a Canadian achieving something I have no feeling towards the story. The reason for that is because other countries are doing things all the time. During the Olympics there are two countries that just seem to win everything, the U.S.A and China. So when Canada wins a medal it’s a huge deal and I cheer my lungs out. I do it for every sporting event that has a Canadian based team that I like, but for other teams I just find the stories very repetitive and boring. For example, last season during the NHL Chicago went on like a 23-game win streak. Now that is great and all, but hearing the morning after their win that they won 23 times becomes almost like its second nature for them to win. It is definitely all based on the individual, but I believe everyone is desensitized about one thing or another and that is how I view the impact of mass media on the world.


Think to yourself…are you desensitized about any events that you hear, see or read about?