Problems and Possibilities

Mass Media can be both positive and negative. I think that it is awesome that mass media can connect such a wide range and variety of people. Because of it, when can know what is going on in the world around us, not just in our own little world. News provides us with tons of information about the world we live in and the people we share it with. Movies and books give us entertainment and a chance to escape our everyday lives, and use our imaginations. New avenues of mass media, like facebook and myspace can also be great. Without facebook it would be a lot harder for me to stay in touch with friends that i grew up with, and family that i do not see very often. However, mass media can be a double edged sword.
The individuals and company controlling the media also have somewhat of a control on our lives. We saturate our lives with so much media, that it in turn can effect our way of thinking and living. The news controls what stories we hear. They determine how important an event is and what version of a story is told. I believe that in some cases they totally stretch the truth to make it more interesting. Reality TV also does this in a way. They may twist the truth or control what portions of a conversation are heard, and watch body language the cast gives off in order to make the veiwer feel as though two individuals are having an arguement. Facebook is another outlet that i feel can really be detrimental in some ways. It takes away from physical interaction with individuals. My generation, myself included, seem to struggle with converstions when we are face to face. We seem detached and no longer make eye contact or strike up random converstations with strangers. Its just too awkward. We are so used to being hidden behind our screennames and facebook personalities to make any kind of effort in the real world. I believe that mass media's possibilities outway it's problems, but individuals need to be careful not to be so consumed in media that they forget to think for themselves.