Problems and Possibilities

The relationship between mass media and society, in many ways, exists to promote unity.  Millions of consumers, whether their diets consist of books, television shows, music, or other texts, may be quickly joined with other consumers based on sharing tastes or information.  This unity opens up countless possibilities, as well as problems, that result from this unique relationship.

Although the word "unity" is rather quite neutral by definition, it has assumed a positive connotation in our society.  Mass media provides our society with a sort of surface unity, making most of us aware of news, ideals, and even the ways in which our own emotions are common with those of our fellow citizens.  In the past, it has helped our nation rally with one purpose, providing us with a sense of solidarity and camaraderie, such as we saw following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  In this sense, mass media's relationship with society is positive because the media informs the citizens of what is going on in our nation and others, sometimes promoting care and concern for our brothers (Hurricane Katrina comes to mind).

However, unity may be used negatively as well.  In fact, depending on the nature and intentions of those being unified, "unity" can be a dangerous collection of individuals with a shared harmful purpose.  This can be promoted, perhaps even intentionally, by media providing consumers with inaccurate or slanted information.  This can often be seen during election years, when it becomes hard to discern the truth among all of the stories and rumors that the media circulate around the candidates.  As a result, the society is in danger of becoming a misinformed (albeit unified) group of activists rallying around a cause with questionable validity.

It is important for us to realize that unity is beneficial only when centered on the truth, and that we are at the mercy of the media as it filters which information becomes available to us.  Being aware of these factors will help us to understand the relationship between mass media and our society and to help us pursue the benefits of the unity it enables.