The effect of the media.

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The effect of the media.

Sociologists have studied the effect of the media since the early 50’s, by looking at TV, radio and newspapers. They noticed that the media is very powerful and effects the general public greatly and can alter their opinions and thinking about certain beliefs and topics. From politics to celebrities media supplies us with headlines and stories which may or may not be biased and effect our way of thinking about that certain person/story.

Sociologists have different views about the power and effect of the media, and how it can effect our actions. Some sociologists believe that there is a link between a film, which includes killing, and a boy that has watched that film then going out and murdering someone. However some sociologists disagree and believe there is no link between the power of the media and violence and actions of the minority of people.

One of the main groups of sociologists is the Glasgow University Media Group, which has looked at the effect of the media in great depth, and have made studies to try and prove their theorys.

There are 4 effects that sociologists have discovered-

1.Hypodermic syringe

2.Two-step approach

3.Uses and gratifications

4.Cultural effects

The hypodermic syringe approach suggests that everything the media presents us with (whether that be TV, newspapers and radio) we take it in (being sponge like) and is very direct and has a very large impact on us. Sociologists believe with this effect that if we watch or read something we are likely to copy it or believe in the opinions that are given.

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There has been a lot of controversy with this effect as it makes people look easily influenced and that they rein act and believe everything that they see.

A study was carried out after the court case of Nathan Martinez, who after watching a film ‘Natural Born Killers’ went out and murdered his sister and daughter. The film was very violent and it was suggested that it influenced him to do the killings. Though this was a strong case it was very hard to prove the link.

Though this effect is short term I think it could contribute to long-term ...

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