The influence of mass media on international relations

 

Plan:

 

1. The Influence of Media on International Relations…………3

2. Mass Media and its Influence on Society…………………….5

3. Major sources of mass media…………………………………..6

4. Influences on society……………………………………………..7

5. Long term effects…………………………………………….........8

6. In Retrospect………………………………………………………..9

7.References……………………………………………………………9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Influence of Media on International Relations

 
Today, mass media play an extremely important role in the life of the modern society. As the matter of fact, the role of the mass media in the life of people has increased consistently because they have become available to people en masse and people are constantly vulnerable to the impact of mass media. In such a situation, mass media have become a powerful tool with the help of which the public opinion can be shaped and conditioned. Therefore, the impact of mass media on people occurs at the level of consciousness because they perceive information from mass media and shape their views and opinions on the ground of the information they receive from mass media and how this information is presented in mass media defines the perception of certain events and issues by the public. In actuality, the impact of mass media on individuals and society at large is so significant that it is possible to speak about the impact of mass media on international politics through the impact on the public opinion. 
In such a context, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that today the spread of mass media and their permanent impact on the public has reached an unparalleled level. Actually, mass media keep progressing and they influence people consistently because people are always vulnerable to the impact of mass media. Today, print and visual media can be spread internationally that increases their influence on the international politics because due to the international expansion of mass media they can shape the public opinion internationally. At the same time, the role of visual media tends to increase because they become truly global media. The broadcasting of visual media may involve the entire world that naturally increases their role and affects consistently the target audience of such media. 
In addition, the emergence of new media that overcome national boundaries increases the role of mass media and their impact on international politics even more. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the emergence of internet as probably one of the most influential mass media of the modern world. Today, internet is available to a large number of people. In fact, internet is one of the mainstream media in the modern world that is available to people worldwide. Moreover, they can share information via internet easily, regardless of their physical location. In such a way, internet has become the mass medium which has eliminated physical boundaries and national boundaries between people. As a result, they can communicate with each other and share information online practically without any consistent limitations because the control from the part of regulatory state bodies and other agencies is not always effective. Even though some countries attempt to control internet, they have reached little success in this regard and people often use internet to share information online. At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that some specialists (Schenker, 2000) believe that internet is the unique medium because it allows people to share their ideas and shape their own opinion on the ground of the communication and analysis of issues that are important for them and which they can share with others online. For instance, numerous social networks are perfect means with the help of which people can share their views and ideas but, on the other hand, social networks are perfect means to shape the public opinion. At any rate, some specialists (Bagdikian, 2000) warn against the possibility of manipulating with the public opinion through social networks. 
At this point, it is possible to dwell upon the possibility of shaping the public opinion by mass media. In fact, mass media have a permanent influence on people because they are available to people 24 hours a day. People cannot escape this influence because mass media are everywhere. Willingly or not people expose themselves to the impact of mass media and the modern pop culture makes mass media the integral part of the life of the modern society because mass media, such as movies, for instance, comprise an integral part of the cultural life of the moderns society, whereas they can shape the opinion of people in regard to international politics. In addition, other mass media also convey certain messages to the audience that shape their views on different issues, including international politics and relations. 
Moreover, many specialists (Chomsky, 1997) warn against the formation of the public image of countries and their policies by mass media. At this point, it is possible to refer to the War in Iraq and the formation of public images of country-outcasts, like Iran, North Korea. Obviously, mass media have a played an important in the formation of the public image of the aforementioned events and countries in global terms that means that mass media have shaped the public opinion in regard to international politics. To put it more precisely, the mass media have become the tool with the help of which the US have managed to wreak panic among the world community that Iraq has the weapon of mass destruction that provoked the war in Iraq and justified the military expansion of the US. Similarly, mass media shape the negative public image of North Korea, Iran and other outcasts of international politics. At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that Iran and North Korea, for instance, do not have mass media that can present their viewpoint on international relations. As a result, the public opinion of the world community is shaped by the mainstream mass media, which are based in western countries mainly.

 
In such a context, it is possible to speak about the use of mass media as the means of propaganda. However, specialists (Bagdikian, 2000) argue that mass media is a tool of the public control over policy makers. Hence, mass media are the means of the public control over international relations. However, it is obvious that today the public cannot always control the mass media. Instead, the public is vulnerable to the impact of mass media and views and beliefs of people are shaped, to a significant extent, by mass media. In such a context, internet can become the mass medium that can offer people an opportunity to shape their own view on certain issues or events concerning international politics. In fact, internet has already become the tool with the help of which many movements, which have a negative public image shaped by other mass media, attempt to reach the world community through internet. However, internet is not a panacea because, besides internet, people are still vulnerable to other mass media and, what is more, internet can also be used as the means of shaping the public opinion and conditioning of the consciousness of people as well as other mass media. Some specialists (Moy, 1999) believe that internet can be used to shape views of people on international relations and, what is more, it can become a tool with the help of which people can get involved in international relations because they can share important information, like secret reports of CIA or other services of different countries. When such information is spread in internet, it can provoke international scandals and people, having access to such information, can use it to either manipulate with the public opinion or simply to uncover the truth to the public that also affects international politics and relations. 
Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that the development of mass media affects consistently the public opinion. Today, mass media influence the public opinion not only at the local or regional level but at the international level as well. In other words, today, mass media have become a tool of international politics and relations because policy makers can use mass media to shape the public opinion and to draw the public attention to certain issues of international relations. On the other hand, modern mass media, such as internet, still allow people to share information and to shape their own views and opinions in regard to international relations.

 

2. Mass Media and its Influence on Society

      

There is no mistaking that modern day society is greatly influenced by mass media every day, and in many different forms. Many of these are usually depended on and included in personal lives, being utilized for entertainment, work, communication, and education as far as news and information gathering. People often remember all of their favorite television shows they watched growing up as well as the ones they view now. Some of these shows signposting many of their memories in a nostalgic manner. There is favorite music you may listen to, and how does it move you? Possibly affecting you emotionally, or perhaps sparking a dream. There is news heard and witnessed on mass broadcasts across major network channels. Is it necessarily accurate? Does it invoke a sense of security or alarm? One should not forget cell phones, laptops, notepads, I-Pods, touch pads and kindles. It is obvious to see every day the incessant use of these interconnected items? Then there are movies; with everyone churning through the ticket booths to experience another rollercoaster ride on the big screen, taking them to some distant galaxy, or maybe just next door to the neighbor’s house where a family desperately struggles through a crisis. Inevitably, much of what people hear, see, and experience every day comes from some sort of electronic device which transmits media material all of the time.

 

The internet is a media tool almost worth talking about in an entirely separate forum, yet it is comparable to most media exposure. The World Wide Web is probably the most unified and far reaching media channel to date. You can converse with someone in Kamchatka in the eastern hemisphere while viewing an advertisement in a foreign language on the same page. Then if you enter some of your personal information online, forgetting later that you did so; and then wondering why you get so much junk mail in your E-mail box. The mass media finds its way into almost every aspect of people’s lives.

Over time, this technological media entity has become mammoth and omnipresent. It is everywhere you go, finds its way into most of what you do, and even provides you sometimes, with what you need; almost becoming a cybernetic surrogate mother we all readily accept without much question. It can be beneficial to society in its influence, yet sometimes have a bad effect. It can lead or mislead people into the wrong direction or belief. There are times in history, distant and near, where it has greatly inspired, united, and motivated the masses. Let it be known, that it can also be used maliciously; to injure, or even achieve an injustice. The mass media can be a very powerful tool, and if not handled properly, with good judgment to govern, can become an enemy of society. Anywhere in the world, this media instrument greatly affects all persons indigenous and non-indigenous to where that region may be. So, to take a look at some of the most prominent and powerful sources of mass media, the influence they have on society, and the resulting effects on individuals in that society.

 

3. Major sources of mass media

 

First, there is television, which has been around for approximately 60+ years. The vast majority of society engages in television every single day. Some are loyal sitcom series fans, or make it a point to watch award shows. There are movies, game shows, reality shows, documentaries, cooking shows, talk shows. There is a show for just about anything you can think of. Now, the point may not be just how many shows there are; but what are the contents of it, and what kind of message may in convey? Would you watch it with your parents, or better yet, your kids? Television can have a definite effect on the mind in how one sees the world, how you process things, and how people govern themselves emotionally. This influence amongst children is thoroughly looked at and studied in the article by Kyla Boyse from University of Michigan. Kyla states that “children are more susceptible to obesity, lethargy, and lack of focus due to prolonged television viewing.” It promotes no physical activity, for none is required to participate, or very little for that matter. It could be damaging for a child to not get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. People listen to radios usually in the car, on the way to work, or going to the beach. Music stations are usually playing publicly in workout gyms as you exercise and even in theatre lobbies while you make your way to your movie. Cell phones, computers, and touchpads are constantly in touch with the rest of the world, transmitting message after message as they send and receive information. All of these sources are literally loaded with commercial advertisements; that are there to invoke a specific purpose. This fact influences all that come in contact with it.

 

4. Influences on society

 

Many times children have run out of the movie theatre chasing each other; one of them being Spiderman, the other the Hulk. Then a child’s excitement when they pass by McDonalds, or hear on the radio that the fair is coming to town. People were greatly moved by what they heard in reports on the day of 9/11. Some individuals have even burst into a fit of anger when they heard about their favorite sports team loosing or being bad mouthed by a surly sportscaster. The types of clothes people wear are possibly a result of the media, as well as what products they buy. Certain beliefs can be effected by mass media, even to the point of national panic as was seen on October 30, 1938 when “War of the Worlds” was broadcasted over a national radio station. (Lovgen, Stefan) Most of society more or less builds and structures their day with many types of media transmitters in them. It is virtually impossible to separate yourself from them, unless you lock yourself away in room forever. Even then, you may hear a radio through the wall.

 

Reporters greatly rely on cell phone communication in order to get the first spot on a story. All of society at one time or another, experiences effects from the mass media, whether it be large or small. There are short and long term effects that come from mass media as well. Have you ever had the urge to turn the Television or radio off due to the obnoxious loud commercials constantly aggravating your senses? Prolonged hours on the internet can cause headaches and effect eyesight from staring into the screen. There is speculation about the effects of excessive cell phone use and its possible damage to the brain from holding it to your ear.

Certain movements have been sparked as a result of the mass media, in cases regarding major news most of the time. For example, the O.J.Simpson case and its verdict, The Rodney King trial and its verdict (causing a major riot), the Rowe vs. Wade case, and the case regarding Kalee Anthony. Media transmission from television has been known to create growing trends amongst society in areas of transportation, employment, shopping, and style. Everyone wants the latest Nike shoe, or the new I-Phone.

Then there are the latest styles worn by the actors on TV and in movies, the latest clothes worn by rock stars, or perhaps something political that they may say. Music has been a major influence through mass media to influence the younger generations in their lives. Some effects positive, and some not so good; like the case where two teens committed suicide to a Judas Priest song in 1985, two days before Christmas. Kids and teenagers have been known to mirror mass media tenaciously throughout the early years of life, in a kind of identity search they go through. They may emulate their favorite rap star, movie star, or sports hero. All of this is due to the influence mass media has on them.

 

5. Long term effects

 

It seems now, there is a certain mystery that somewhat ensues following the information sent and received via mass media. Is it true? Could it be fabricated or embellished to reach a planned or desired effect? There are the phrases “Do not believe everything you hear”, or “do not believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see”. Why the reason for these quotes? This is possibly a sociological precaution to be critically aware of what people are exposed to through mass media to such a great extent. Be careful, so to speak. Examine, investigate, and search for the truth in what you are hearing and seeing. It apparently is a prolonged effect from mass media exposure, likened to a state of self-perpetuated enlightenment.

A person can become jaded and melancholy from overexposure to mass media resulting in cynicism and a predisposition to view things in other ways contrary to their usual self. An individual may become detached socially and emotionally as a result from constant computer interfacing or isolation from watching too much television; events a person otherwise would love to be involved with may be missed due to lack of contact with friends and family by sailing down the rabbit hole of mass media through technological vehicles. How about the possibility of global internet communication failure? What would this result in? I am sure it would be gigantic, whatever effect would follow this.

Some long term effects have ignited a new view and awareness on the distraction aspect created by mass media. It can become spell-binding to people, and sometimes people snap out of the spell and question what and why they are doing things a certain way. Some people have rejected mass media and its influence altogether; in an attempt to get back in touch with life in a more action oriented sense. This is usually easier to those who grew up in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s when technology was more limited in its transfer of mass media information. The statistics show that Media technology usage is always growing not only with children and youths, but with adults also. (Frank Baker) It is growing, transmitting, and affecting people in the immediate, as well as in the long run. It is used for more reasons than can be said. Always affecting us everywhere we go. Consciously and unconsciously the impact is felt and reverberates through society winding through various different channels creating new effects, influences, and results wherever it goes.

 

6. In Retrospect

 

Mass media is a very useful addition to human existence on earth. It helps people with many things in life, creating more time and convenience in the day. It almost has a life of its own amongst society as they interact with it continually and necessarily. Mass media has come a long way over the last hundred years; all the way from the carted horse and town center speech to the World Wide Web and cable television. It affects everyone one way today, maybe another way the next. It is sure to be around for a long time; it is very well integrated to society globally and entrenched in societies work, entertainment, finance, and education. It can affect people in good and bad ways, sometimes depending on the views the parties involved, but still effected nonetheless. It is up to one to figure out for themselves what they will do with the information from the mass media sources; and be aware of the influences on them and people around them, keeping in mind the effects mass media has, short and long term; always examining and evaluating to assess credibility, accuracy, and influence.

 

7. References: 

1). Bagdikian, B. H. (2000). The Media Monopoly, Sixth Edition, Beacon Press. 
2). Chomsky, N. (June, 1997). “What makes mainstream media mainstream”, Z Magazine, 33(4), 91-97) 
3). Moy, P. et al. (1999). “Media use and public confidence in democratic institutions.” Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, 43(2), 137-142. 
4). Robbins, R. (1999). Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism. New York: Allyson and Bacon. 
5). Schenker, H. (2000). The Art of Performance. New York: Random House.

6). http://ranxer0.hubpages.com/hub/Mass-Media-and-its-Influence-on-Society