"the media do not tell us what to think.they tell us what to think about"analyse the above statement.illustrate your answer by reffering to any three media form over the same 1 week period
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The statement "The media do not tell us what to think. They tell us what to think about" suggests that the media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion by influencing the topics and issues that receive attention, rather than directly controlling the audience's thoughts and beliefs. To illustrate this point, let's consider three different media forms over a one-week period, such as newspapers, television news, and social media.
1. Newspapers: During the week, if we analyze several newspapers, we might observe that they focus their headlines and articles on specific topics or events. For example, one newspaper might dedicate significant coverage to political scandals, while another might emphasize economic issues. By doing so, newspapers guide readers' attention towards these particular subjects, thereby influencing what people think about and prioritize.
2. Television News: Similarly, televised news programs also have a significant influence on what viewers think about. In a particular week, we might observe that a news channel consistently covers stories related to natural disasters or crime incidents, providing ongoing updates and in-depth analysis. By repeatedly presenting such news, the channel shapes viewers' perception of these topics and influences their thoughts and concerns.
3. Social Media: Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, have become powerful influencers of public opinion. As we analyze social media activity over a week, we might notice that specific issues dominate discussions and trends. This can be due to the viral spread of certain posts, trending hashtags, or influential individuals shaping the conversation. Consequently, social media platforms guide people's thoughts and opinions by determining which topics and perspectives gain visibility and engagement.
In all three examples, while the media do not directly instruct individuals what to think, their choices in reporting and highlighting certain issues create a framework for public discourse. By actively selecting and shaping the narrative around various subjects, they can steer the audience's attention and influence what people think about.