Problems with Mass Media

Mass media enables people to do many great things. But it also creates an opportunity for trouble. One of the big problems with mass media is propaganda. We are now able to make a large amount of people believe something, despite if it is true or false. Propaganda is a very affective and powerful tool, and it is used in countless ways. News networks will often show only one side of a political story, in order to promote their favorite party. Companies spread false information about their product or service in their advertisements. Rumors are spread about people or organizations that eventually lead to their destruction. Propaganda can, and should be used for good, but I notice it most often when it is used for the wrong reason. I constantly find myself believing things that I know nothing about. It is amazing that just because something is shown on the television or internet, we will tend to believe it. A couple years ago, I thought the government had planned the terrorist attacks on September 11th because I watched a ridiculous video on the internet. I see products being advertised on television all the time that claim they are the perfect solution to any problem, and I trust it. I know first hand that people can be very influenced by something if it is looks good and other people say it is true. You really have to do the research on things, instead of judging them on first impressions alone.