Post #5

I was quite fascinated upon learning (and teaching about) the agenda setting theory. I think it's interesting how one can distinguish between the media opinion and the public opinion in the news industry.I don't feel that the opinions on television threatens those that people establish themselves. However, people are interested in how the majority reacts to certain events and situations, without necessarily absorbing the reactions. I do feel the media can influence people in times when people are in control of major events and decisions. For example, during the '08 presidential election, the media sparked a myriad of opinions from all different walks of life, considering the fact that both Obama and McCain had several distinctive differences; some of which went beyond their political views. Although the media embraces differences in opinion, I feel they have to play it safe when it comes to ethics. Sure, all journalists have the freedom of speech. But, they can't quite go to the extent of offending those with strong religious or political views.

Post # 4

One theory of mass communication that is very relevant to today's society is the cultivation theory. This theory states that heavy television viewing creates exaggerated beliefs in a mean and scary world. One way in which this theory is applied is an incident that occurred a few years ago involving the television show, "Spongebob Squarepants". A young boy watching the show was led to believe that Spongebob was real and, therefore, drowned in a river while trying to find him underwater. With this in mind, the cultivation theory plays a part in the stage young children experience when distinguishing between reality and fiction. At a young age, they believe the situations on television, especially those in cartoons like "Spongebob Squarepants", can occur in real life. However, parents have a hard time convincing them that things on television are only pretend.