The Effects of Media: A Brainwashed Society.

There is a power that the media holds that goes unnoticed by many people. Only 12% of the public thinks that media influences them (Johnston). Media should not have the power to set the standards for society because it influences our sense of appropriate expectations, it creates ideals for love and lifestyles, and it can expand or constrain our dreams for opportunity and self-actualization in people of all ages. Everyone has expectations in life. Where do these come from? Some are from friends, family, or self, but mostly they are from media. The power of media can influence family life, our youth culture, and how we view a man's or woman's role in society.

Advertising can affect the relationship between children and their parents. Some advertising tries to influence the buying patterns of parents by linking love and guilt with the purchase of products. When a child is mad at a parent, a gift from the parent might make them happy again. Some parents feel that they can buy their child's affection. Children have also become very status conscious and are aware of brand-name items. As time passes it keeps happening at younger ages. Kids want other kids to like them and appearance is very important. For some reason children are led to believe that clothes from Abercrombie, Gap, or Tommy Hilfiger are better and will make them more popular than no-name brand clothes from Wal-Mart, Target, or K-Mart.

A recent study found that parents spend 40 percent less time with their children than their parents did. On average, parents spend about 17 hours a week with their children, while their children spend as many as 40 hours a week using all forms of media (Ryan 44). Parents need to take practical steps to make sure that they--and not the...