In today’s society a lot of the news we receive comes from the internet, newspapers, podcasts etc. It is known that in order for something to be published or broadcast-ed, it has to go through a system that filters the content. Now a days it is common for the news to be fabricated in some way, especially in this age where the we have access to the internet. The media isn’t so subtle with this as it once used to. For example one of mark Twain’s famous quotes states,
If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2016/12/03/misinformed/
Twain was actually working for the newspaper for sometime, for him to say this about his old job says a lot.
Along with how media is put out there, perception comes to into play also. In the article Perception in Mass Media, the author discusses the concept of perception and explains the different factors that help to influence perception such as, past experiences, assumptions, moods and beliefs. Of course each individual person is unique and has their own unique thoughts and opinions, so it makes sense that everyone will interpret something in their own way.
The author goes on to discuss the different elements that come with perception, structural influences on perception and functional influences. Structural influences is the actual physical act of being exposed to some sort of stimuli while on the other hand functional influences are all of the factors that come into play in order to change ones perception. It is important to know the difference because of the psychological aspects of it, to be able to break it down and really understand it. We do it unconsciously at this point but it is important to be aware.
The author even goes on to talk about subliminal perception, and how people can have their perception influenced by certain stimuli without even realizing it. An easy example of this would be the theory that Disney Land actually has scent vents that release delicious smelling scents in hopes that it will make the guests want to buy snacks and things from their stores. The guests are unaware but their subconscious is receiving the message that they’re trying to get out there. This happens all around us a lot more often then wed like to think, from commercials to movies and tvs shows, they can contain a lot of subliminal messages.
It is quite interesting to think about how much media and stimuli have a influence on our perception of things and the world around us, everything is so accessible now a days and people have somewhat lost patience for many things, people have changed along with the beliefs and influences of the world. This will continue till the end of time because we are all forever changing, growing and expanding. It is inevitable.
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