What is the following statement mean? In terms of media. "media do not tell us what to think but they tell us what to think about"
These are one-and two-syllable words. Do you understand them?
What do you think this statement means?
Campaing with responsibility
The statement "media do not tell us what to think but they tell us what to think about" means that while the media doesn't directly control our thoughts and opinions, it does influence the topics and issues that we pay attention to and discuss.
To understand this statement, it is important to consider how the media operates. The media consists of various channels such as newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms that provide information and news to the public. These outlets decide what stories to cover, how to frame them, and what details to emphasize or omit.
When it says that "media do not tell us what to think," it implies that the media does not control our individual thought processes or explicitly dictate our beliefs. People have their own cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills to analyze information and form their own opinions. However, the media has a significant influence on shaping the public agenda and determining the issues and topics that become prominent in society.
This is where the second part of the statement comes in: "media tell us what to think about." It means that the media plays a crucial role in selecting and highlighting specific stories, events, or ideas. By presenting certain topics as more newsworthy or by providing extensive coverage, the media can steer public attention towards those issues.
For example, if a news outlet repeatedly covers stories about a particular political scandal, it can direct public focus towards that scandal and influence discussions and debates among the viewers or readers. At the same time, this selective coverage might overshadow or downplay other important news or topics that deserve attention.
In summary, this statement reminds us that while the media doesn't control our thoughts, it does have the power to shape what we think about by selectively highlighting certain issues and topics while neglecting others. It emphasizes the influence that the media exerts on public discourse and the importance of critically evaluating and diversifying our sources of information.