I've always seen the media as something harmful, as something to get away from. This is probably because the first word that comes to mind is social media. And when I think of social media, I think of addiction! I for sure have a negative connotation with the word. But the true definition is what relieves me. I have tried my best to stray away from excessive use, but I find that my own classes are encouraging it. Papers are being turned in online, studying is most effective by computer, and even this blog is done online. We are of course prone to distraction and exposure of advertisements when on the computer. Aside from that, it is revealed how necessary the media really is.
I know I don't have a strong connection to my phone, however I know that I have some connection. That scares me. During the week, I probably use social media for an hour a day. I am required to spend more time than that, for school. That probably adds another hour. The world is so virtual now. That scares me. Our life is one huge target that the media is hunting for. We are prey, and the media is the predator. That scares me. And advertising is all around us, it is virtually inescapable. That scares me.
As scary as it is, lately, I've realized it is not such a bad thing. Everyday I find myself inspired and excited from everything I see. I would not have many of the passions that make me, well me. In a way, the media has allowed for me to branch out and find a part of myself I would have never known.
Because I have accepted that it is impossible to truly escape the media, I have decided to look at all the good it provides, rather than hate on something that will always be here. I truly believe it is inescapable. Our thoughts are shaped and heavily influenced by the media. Even in nature, everything is one big advertisement. Animals and plants look a certain way to attract a mate or lure a predator. It is needed for survival!
I was surprised to find out that media includes songs. Music is such a huge part of my life. It has united, created memories, and almost acts as a timeline for my life. I cannot imagine a world without music. So, I guess that means I cannot imagine a world without media.
Because of these conflicting views, opinions, and ideas of media, I called my blog Manic Media. It really is wild and exciting, but can also be insane.
Just another Manic Media.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsmVgoXDq2w
The comparison in the first paragraph about media and our perspective of our parents is clever and, I believe, accurate. I especially love how in the end, music being a part of the media is talked about. Music is a major part in everyone's lives and it's only when it comes to things like artist's promotion for their music (ex: music videos) that it isn't such a positive expirience- this, of course, also depends on what genre of music one is listening to.
ReplyDeleteIt is also interesting to consider-continuing with the music thought- how even now, music isn't just music. It's the being able to say you went and saw that artist in live performance, bought their merchandise, buy from their catalog online and got tickets for a meet and greet etc. It almost seems there is little actual appreciation for music that explores technic and mixes music cultures and so on; it's simply mass producing albums, hoping for a hit song that people will listen to to be trendy and hoping to get through all the clutter.
Back to this specific blog, the title is catchy and I love how it also incorporates the fact that it is possible to escape the media and/or completely delete your presence on the media. Perhaps we can all learn to not shy away from it completely because it does have some positive advantages but not become to caught up in the distractions that others through st us through our screens.