The Media’s Touch

By: Ella George

The media plays a significant role in influencing public relations, both positive and negative. It has the power to both push people together through understanding as well as pull them apart. 

Through the media, inspiration spreads rapidly and it takes effective communication to maintain a positive image, which is something that both regular people and governments desire to maintain. This rapid spread can have both positive and negative effects, one example being COVID-19. Mass isolation led to many more people having internet access. This access led to the spread of misinformation, which in turn led to the loss of lives. 

The media can also play a role of advocacy, spreading awareness about global issues. Global events such as World Cancer Day need global participation. The media allows people to mobilize in their own communities and bring attention to the issues plaguing their community and their world. 

Although there are upsides, the media can destroy the reputation of an organization just as fast as it can build one. A viral video turned into a meme can remain relevant for months if not years. Jokes can turn into full-blown problems, and those who judge usually do not understand the full story. 

The media can also alter the public agenda. Shows that thrive off of viewer support and interaction (ex. Big Brother) can alter viewers' attention from national issues. These viewers ignore their own realities to vote and have a say in the fictional life of those whom they see through a television screen. 

Social media can be a hub for learning, schools, and even people beginning startups. It can broaden networks and open people to new relationships that they would not have been involved in without the internet. Careers begun both online and in-person can thrive effectively. Understanding how the media functions can greatly improve someone’s position. 

The media will continue to evolve and will remain a deciding factor in making or breaking an entity. It’s up to us, the audience, to use it for the greater good and push positive beliefs and motivations towards the online community.