What you see is not what you get

How many times have you seen or heard something in media (TV, radio, newspaper) that was glamorized, edited, or fixed that it made the real thing look like crap? I know I have, and not just once.  I think the trend of deception is very rampant in both the media industry and the advertising industry; both go hand in hand. Advertisers make their products look good in order to entice audiences to buy while media practitioners on the other hand care about the aesthetics of their programs. After all, who would buy an ugly product or tune in to a television channel that had bothering advertisements and shows? Indeed, first impressions are very important.

Although I’m quite sure that deception happens in all forms of media, I think the most deceiving form of media would be those that are visual. Countless times I’ve seen food commercials and print ads that look mouth wateringly delicious but the moment you purchase it your heart drops because you spent your money on something that did not do the ad any justice. How many times have you bought a product hoping it could bring the change and effects you were promised? And who here has seen a celebrity and said to themselves, “Wow. She looks different. She’s not that thin in real life.”?

Is it okay for media and advertisers to deceive their audience and target market? After all, when people see print ads and TV commercials part of them expects to see the same thing when they purchase these objects, avail of these services, or see certain people. But then again, people aren’t turned on by an ugly site. I suppose deception is acceptable to a certain extent. I think its okay to make products and people more presenting so that they don’t look sore on the eyes. But I think it is completely wrong to present to the audience something or someone that they are not. Because of deception from advertisers and the media, people tend to buy things they don’t need and idolize the wrong people. I think advertisers and media practitioners have to set a fine line between what is acceptable to change or tweek and what is not. In the short run it may benefit their business, but in the long run it may hurt society by leading to believe in things that are nonexistent.

Check and Balance

We had our informal class debates last Tuesday. The topic our group was assigned to debate about was the regulation of media: should media be regulated by the government or should it regulate itself? Although my partner and I were assigned to defend the side of self regulation, I personally think that media should be partly regulated by the government. I believe that there should be a check and balance that happens between the important institutions within a society. Both government and the media are two very prominent and influential entities, they should check up and make sure that the other is doing its job properly, ethically, and correctly.

Although there are many arguments such as ethical issues, public trust, etc that would benefit the government regulation of media, I also think there are many counter arguments that can be brought up. Having this debate actually pushed me more into the dark rather than bring me to the light of realizing which side I would pledge my loyalty to. Without a doubt the debate on government or self media regulation is a tough bout to decide upon. Both sides have ethical and technical issues that will definitely serve as pitfalls.

As of now I don’t think Philippine media is ready for either government or self regulated policies that would help guide the industry to making the right choices that would benefit our society. I believe that the only way true regulation can be achieved is if there is a unified call and collective concern for the common good by both the media and the governement. As of now, I have yet to see the involvement and concern of media, government, and the people towards achieving the common good out society. Because of this, I think media regulation cannot be properly achieved. I do hope that one day both media and the governemtn can find a common ground where they could settle their indifferences and develop an ethical regulation plan that would benefit society and the media industry in the long run.

Music Saved My Life

I can’t live without music. Like many people out there I feel like music adds more color, excitement, and meaning to life. There’s something about music –the lyrics and the melody- that make it so enticing to everyone. Personally, I love music because it lifts my spirits, explains how I feel, and it’s a great companion to have for most occasions.

Although music may only fall under the category of “other media”, I believe that it is very influential to society. Music producers, writers, and singers now a day are some of the most significant people in the world. These musicians aren’t only icons because of their individuality and uniqueness; they are icons because they share with the rest of the world their messages of hope, love, and the like.

Of course the world of music was never as glamorous, expressive, and profitable as it is now. The fame and impact that music has brought to society is due to the technological advancements that have been achieved in the industry. Just like most forms of media, the music industry also underwent the process of digitization. What was once only heard live in concert halls can know be heard anywhere, anytime with iPods. Music, due to the advancements in technology is now something that can be compressed, shared, and manipulated. As the content of media evolves with the times, so does the mediums that carry it. Below are pictures that show the evolution of both music and music players:

Advancements in technology that aid the spread of music worldwide has played a big role in shaping society. It proves Postmans theory that technological change is ecological; it does not only add to our lives, but rather it changes it. The introduction of iPods, downloadable music, file sharing, etc has made music easily accessible and openly available to majority of the people in all the continents. One song can be listened to, sung, and related to by billions of people around the world. Music may only be words with sounds, but its ability to change and relate to how people feel is what makes it very influential. The power of music plus the advancement in technology of music players has brought ecological change to the world. It has made individuals more expressive of both their thought and their feelings. It has definitely promoted self expression within society. Music has become an outlet, a consoler, a companion, and even sometimes a life saver. Whether it’s singing a song, hearing it play at the background of a movie, or dancing to its beat – music definitely is something that exists in and around us.