Entry #9: Is the Media Misleading?

I have never thought in depth about the media nor its affects on me. I rarely watch the news because I have always found it so depressing and usually boring. Stories about local robberies or shootings is usually what is being covered and that's just not what I like to hear! But in all that I have never really thought about the power the media has over its viewers. 

As I have watched the news over the past few weeks I could see how the news could have a pull at people. Remember the Ebola breakout from last year? It had millions of Americans panicking and taking preventative measures. The main cause for panic was because the media knew how to hype up the situation and people's emotions. Just by adding a few more adjectives or telling graphic stories they were able to blow things way out of proportion.

As I discussed what I saw on the news with my family they could totally see where I was coming from. They recalled several of stories they had heard on the news where details had been drastically embellished and maybe exaggerated beyond the truth. They could see the effects the stories had had on family members and friends. Some people experienced rage in what they saw or felt sad. The news is powerful in the way that they can affect people's emotions.

I have decided to rarely think twice about what I see on television and take things with a grain of salt. Should I be angry, sad, happy or even believe the things I am being told. News stations rely heavily on ratings and viewers should keep that in mind when watching. They will do whatever they can and say whatever to grab hold of viewers and we all need to be mindful of that when watching.