Effect of Mass Media on American Lifestyles

I have already established the fact that mass media is a significant aspect of the American culture and has an immense effect in many areas that define the ‘American’ way of life. We as Americans (young, middle aged, or elderly) have most likely been heavily influenced by some element of mass media throughout our lifetimes. This point leads me to the next claim that I would like to make, which is that mass media shapes many of Americans’ lifestyles today. I believe this claim is justified because most Americans use some sort of mass media to send, receive, or find out new information.

As an example, we could use e-mail or texting, two technological forms of mass media which involve the same concepts. A vast majority of the world uses text messaging and e-mail as a result of human beings discovering ways to develop innovative technology, enabling us to transfer important information more effectively and easily. Hickman (n.d.) states, “Communicating internationally has never been easier. Thanks to new media platforms, we can have a video conversation with a loved one who is 10,000 miles away or keep up-to-date on the stock market with our cell phones (p. 2). The internet can also improve our health or save our lives. Your doctor may send an X-ray or MRI to another doctor in India or China for a second opinion and have it within hours (p. 2).” Hickman (n.d) provides concrete details in relation to the influence of mass media and media globalization on our lifestyles and how these ingenious features structure the lives of the American people. As stated previously, we live in a society where we desire immediate action and rapid responses. Those with occupations in the corporate world use various forms of mass media to fulfill their duties. The mass media industry alone employs a great number of individuals across the U.S.  

Mass media does indeed have a powerful effect on the lifestyles of Americans. Celebrities, public figures, and other well-known members of American society know that they have to be extremely cautious in regards to every action taken and every word spoken because they know that the press is diligently observing everything that occurs within the United States. Also, the mass media available now is depended upon by many Americans, and our lives may be shaped based upon the types of mass media that have a tremendous effect on our daily activities.

Reference

Hickman, M. The effects of media globalization. Retrieved from www.radford.edu. 

Significance of Mass Media on American Culture

Most Americans will agree that mass media has a great impact on our lives; aspects ranging from television, to newspapers, to the internet, we have all most likely been affected by some form of mass media in our lives. We may or may not realize it, but mass media is an important facet of the American culture as a whole, and is used in politics, sports, economics, educational environments, the workplace, advertising, and the entertainment industry just to name a few. One claim (or point) I want to make is that mass media is a significant aspect of the American culture. I believe this claim is justified because this is a big part of our everyday lives.

As you can see, the images shown here
are heavily depended upon by Americans
everyday.

            In Hiebert’s (2001) article entitled “The Growing Power of Mass Media”, he states “The effects of communication are many and diverse. They may be short range or long-run. They may be manifest or latent. They may be strong or weak. They may derive from any number of aspects of the communication content. They may be considered as psychological or political or economic or sociological. They may operate upon opinions, values, information levels, skills, taste, or overt behavior”. I fully agree with this statement and the fact that mass media has shaped modern American society. Today, we live in a society where we desire immediate action and rapid responses. The advanced technology and innovative features applied to mass media enables information to be revealed quicker, more effectively, and even more uniquely, which has an immense effect on how the ways, thoughts, and the culture of the United States has been established.

            Again, mass media assuredly is an important aspect of the culture of America. This country wouldn’t be as prosperous as it is now without mass media and its peculiar characteristics. In fact, without mass media, the U.S. would be boring in a sense. There are several other aspects that have a tremendous effect on American culture, such as religion, education, family, survival, music, entertainment, fashion, and financial stability. However, the mass media has aided in the success of the aspects listed, and is one of the factors that separates America from the rest of the world. 

Reference

Hiebert, R. (2001). The growing power of mass media. SCSU Journalism Department. Retrieved from http://www.southernct.edu/~seymour/cases/heibert.htm.