Negative Effects Of Electronic Media

Of all the forms of of interactive media, electronic media stands as the most dynamic, and far reaching. Presently, it stands as the most powerful tool in circulating information around the globe. It has changed how people see, and relate to one another, but has this been a positive change? It is a topic that has been debated for years, is electronic media harmful to society? It can be said electronic media has brought the world closer together, sharing information and ideas from all over the globe, and better yet, screening them on a medium to give us the surplus of television channels and internet websites that we love. However, though it poses many ‘’benefits’’, electronic media is negatively affecting certain aspects of society. One such …show more content…
Electronic Media affects the four aspects of society as indicated by Postman in different manners, but they all share a common consequence, they are turned from serious world issues into entertainment. Once upon a time, in a very distant past, when ‘’serious’’ news corporations broadcasted ‘’serious’’ news, they were backed up with facts that were taken seriously and viewers were given an adequate amount of time to digest what had just been revealed to them. By no means am I implying news corporations are giving us false information, but rather, they are presenting information to viewers in a manner that leads to a topic being taken lightly. News corporations currently present news as a form of entertainment, and this is highlighted …show more content…
Electronic media has somehow intertwined politics with show business. It comes as no surprise to see politicians taking full advantage of electronic media in their pursuits for office. This however comes at the cost of following the rules of show business. Politicians must now not only sound the part, as was the case with radio, but must also look the part. This further leads on to Postman’s statement, ‘’If politics is like show business, then the idea is not to pursue excellence, clarity or honesty, but appear as if you are, which is another matter altogether.’’ Political figures now market themselves in a bid to win the most votes in the same manner television hosts market themselves for higher rating. They have to become Individuals who appear cool, calm and confident. They have to be charismatic and have a certain demeanor that brings in audiences, and high ratings. These of course are important qualities to have as a politician, but they are definitely not the most important. With politicians following the Hollywood lingo of appearing cool, calm and confident in front of the camera, citizens are unsure as to whether or not the politicians are capable of actually getting the job done once elected. Characteristics of politics, such as Integrity, an understanding of world events, and an intellectual and knowledgeable world-view, are not able to be