Some people are almost addicted to televisions so that can be controlling. Also many people can't think for themselves and do not like to read and study so they believe everything they hear from the media. I think all of us are becoming desensitized of violence because of the constant reporting of it.

Although I can read about world events anywhere online at anytime and from whichever source I want, there is still something to say for the social ritual that many folks have come to adapt through watching the news before or after work. People are often limited to certain news channels and newspapers, and this strongly helps not only to establish their routine, but a conviction and a sense of self worth, in regards to loyalty, patriotism and the like. People don't want to know, they want to be reassured, and that's all. Discussions at work about how much America sucks or how Iraq blows is a great way to forge bonds, and this scapegoat syndrome serves the media well in upholding whatever motives they might have through familiarity and security.

I think people underestimate how manipulative and subversive TV in particular is. In the old days of TV, sponsors blatantly used product placement advertising...like on the old variety shows, the action stops while Dinah Shore picks up a can of Comet and sings about how great it is. Nowadays, though, they're selling you an entire lifestyle. The show IS the commercial. The message is, success comes with a certain "look"...if you want to be successful, you have to buy into the "look."

i happen to believe that it could be possible our passed ancestors are in fact influencing the media as ghosts, in turn, informing us or misinforming us. It does not control peoples lives so much as offers people the ability to learn from what was documented by another human being.

I don't agree it does. A person can be obsessed with -- but it is not mind control, to a responsible thinking adult. I know, just threw a bunch under the bus, but they would be lacking grown-up thinking regardless of, or lack of access to mass media. One can always blame their parents, forth grade teacher, or their dead goldfish for life not being fair.

Television has a big impact on the way we spend our free time. It probably affects younger people more than adults, as they watch more TV. Critics of television claim that TV takes away too much of our free time so that we lack time for other activities like family conversations, reading, getting exercise etc.. It also shows us a world that is not real. Television often encourages us to think that the world is more violent than it really is. Through TV we perceive the glamorous life of people and believe that they are better off than we are. Television contributes to our education and knowledge. Documentaries and information programs give us insight on nature, our environment and political events. Television has a huge impact on politics. In election years, discussions, speeches and campaign news of candidates are broadcast almost every day. Political parties buy TV time to present their views and bring ideas to the audience. Sports attract the biggest audiences on television. TV stations pay enormous amounts of money to broadcast big sport events, like the Super Bowl, Olympic Games, or professional basketball, football and baseball. Because of television some sports have gained popularity and more and more people engage in them. About Us: www.hwy89media.com