Violate Social Norms

Throughout a typical day, almost everyone is exposed to the media somehow. Although many are exposed to media messages everyday, not many are aware of the different functions that these messages serve. A message from the media can either socialize, enforce social norms, confer status, or promote consumption. After recording a tally of each media message I received in a day and categorizing them based upon their function, I came to the conclusion that I am exposed to each of these types of media messages everyday. However, the most common media message were the ones which promoted the consumption of products. Although one media message function showed up more than the others, each mass media function has played a role in what I know and how
138). Without having access to the media through the internet, some people are not aware of most media messages. Additionally, the third highest percentage of media messages I received enforced social norms. By enforcing social norms, the media displays to the public what happens to people who violate societal standards. An example of a mass media message, which enforced social norms, was an episode of Law & Order that I saw. In the show, the detectives investigate the law breaker and charge them with a crime; the criminal typically then goes to jail for a number of years. This television show displays what happens to individuals who commit a crime, and it persuades me as well as other viewers not to violate social expectations such as breaking the law. Finally, the lowest percentage of mass media messages I received socialized, or presented a common view of culture through mass communication. One example of a media message that I received that socialized was a story I read about pollution; the story described how pollution greatly affects certain areas around the world. This story made me aware of how other people are forced to live because of the
Furthermore, I had never before analyzed the meaning behind the media messages, and the different functions they serve; for example, they can promote consumption, confer status, enforce social norms, and socialize. Although most see the media as a way to get the news, these messages also persuade the audience what to buy, how to act, and who to idolize as well. I know that the mass media has influenced not only my perceptions of other people, places, and things, but also my thoughts and ideas. There is no doubt that I would be a completely different person than I am now if I lived in a world with no mass