"THE MEDIA DO NOT TELL US WHAT TO THINK .THEY TELL US WHAT TO THINK ABOUT".analyse the above statement .illustrate your answer by referring to any THREE media forms over the same two week period.
Look up news stories from three forms of media in your area. Do they report facts about the stories, or do they tell you how to interpret or otherwise how or what to think about the events described? You have to look up the news stories for yourself, from television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the internet...
No
The statement "The media do not tell us what to think. They tell us what to think about" suggests that media outlets may not directly manipulate or control our thoughts, but they do have the power to shape the topics and issues we pay attention to and discuss. In order to analyze this statement, let's examine three different media forms (newspapers, television news, and social media) over a two-week period and see how they influence our thinking.
1. Newspapers: Newspapers, both physical and online, play a crucial role in shaping public discourse. They have the power to decide which news stories make it to their front pages, influencing what we read about and consequently think about. For instance, during the two-week period, different newspapers might prioritize various issues such as political scandals, social justice movements, or economic developments. By emphasizing certain topics and framing them in a particular way, newspapers shape our perception of important events and guide our thoughts towards specific issues.
2. Television News: Television news broadcasts also have a significant impact on what we think about. Similar to newspapers, they choose which stories to cover and how to present them. Television news often relies on visuals, expert opinions, and anchors' narration, all of which shape our understanding of events. During the two-week period, news programs might dedicate extensive coverage to certain stories, like international conflicts or major sporting events, while downplaying or neglecting others. By controlling the narrative and exposure, television news influences what we think about and what takes precedence in our minds.
3. Social Media: Social media platforms have revolutionized the way information is shared and consumed. They provide users with personalized feeds based on their interests, connections, and algorithms. During the two-week period, social media platforms might present users with stories, videos, or posts related to subjects they have interacted with previously. This creates an "echo chamber" effect, where users are exposed to content that aligns with their existing beliefs and interests. Although social media does not overtly instruct us on how to think, it can reinforce particular perspectives and limit exposure to differing viewpoints.
In conclusion, the media, including newspapers, television news, and social media, do not directly control our thoughts. However, they effectively shape what we think about by selectively highlighting certain issues, presenting specific narratives, and tailoring content to our preferences. By analyzing these three media forms over a two-week period, we can observe how they influence our thinking and contribute to the overall public discourse.