Campus Universitaire ait Mellol
Department Of English Studies
Major: Literature
Semester: 6
A paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of a B.A in English Studies/ Literature
Academic year
2023-2024
Contents
Abstract….............................................................................................. 4
Introduction…….....................................................................................5
Research problem……...........................................................................6
Research objectives…….......................................................................6
Research questions……........................................................................6
Research hypotheses…….....................................................................7
Literature review….................................................................................7
Methodology……..................................................................................10
Results and findings…….....................................................................11
Discussion of results…........................................................................17
Conclusion…........................................................................................19
Appendix ...…........................................................................................20
References….........................................................................................22
Abstract
This research delves into the intricate relationship between media consumption
and the construction of personal identities. By synthesizing insights from
psychology, sociology, and media studies, the study investigates how various
media platforms, including traditional outlets and digital media,
shape individuals' perceptions of self and others.To answer these questions,
the study applied an explanatory design using a quantitative approach
in the form of a survey that was distributed among 33 students,
in which females and males . The study takes the situation in the middle east
nowadays as an example , how the different media channels and social media
influencers report it. The survey revealed that most young people
trust influencers and social media reporters more than traditional channels .
Moreover they think that the media is controlled by governments and can feed
societies with lies and false news in order to serve their agenda .
On the other hand the study shows that way of covering events
It determines which of the parties to the conflict the community sympathizes
with .
Introduction
In today's digital age, media platforms make significant influence over how
individuals perceive themselves and others. From social media to tv ,
the portrayal of identities shapes our understanding of self and society.
This research delves into the multifaceted ways in which media reinforces,
and sometimes challenges identities.
Media representations serve as mirrors, reflecting back social values,
and ideals. For example, the portrayal of certain racial or gender stereotypes
can influence how individuals from those groups perceive themselves
and how they are perceived by others.
Moreover, media consumption causes audiences to interact with media content,
interpreting its messages in ways that fit their experiences and beliefs.
This process highlights the complexity of media influence on identity
formation.
Furthermore, social media platforms, in particular, provide individuals
with unprecedented opportunities to disseminate and showcase their beliefs
to a global audience. However, this increased visibility also exposes
individuals to greater scrutiny, which can lead to identity confusion
or dissatisfaction.
As such, understanding the dynamics of media influence on identity formation
is crucial to understanding social dynamics and addressing issues
of representation, diversity, and inclusion. This research aims to contribute
to ongoing conversations around media literacy, cultural representation,
in an increasingly mediatized world.
Research problem
In an era of increased levels of media consumption , it requires people to realize
the role played by the media in defining the shaping of both the individual and
the group identities . Media , which includes television, social media, newspapers,
films, and more, is a powerful tool that influences perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors.
This research aims to explore how various forms of media affect the formation
and development of identity among different demographic groups.
Research objectives
Research objectives for studying how media influence people's identities include:
To know how different types of media ( tv , social media , magazin )
contribute to the formation of political identities and beliefs among audience .
To explore how demographic and cultural differences and context
control the ways in which individuals interpret and respond to media representation
, and how this influence their identity .
Research questions
The coming questions were created to successfully achieve the objectives of this study:
How do different types of media ( tv , social media , magazin )
contribute to the formation of political identities and beliefs among viewers ?
How do demographic and cultural differences and context control
the ways in which individuals interpret and respond to media representation ,
and how does this influence their identity ?
Research hypotheses
Most of the young people don't believe anything they see in the media .
Most young people follow social media influencers more than traditional
media channels .
Most young people don't trust the media anymore , they think that
media networks are controlled by certain parties .
Literature review
A study about how media affects societies includes lots of research and ideas
from different fields like sociology, psychology, communication,
and media studies.
Theories about Media Effects: Experts have made different models to explain
how media impacts society. These include the hypodermic needle model,
agenda-setting theory, cultivation theory, and social learning theory.
Each one talks about how the media influences people, from swaying opinions
to shaping thoughts and actions.
Agenda Theory: Media can make people think some things are more
important by choosing what topics to talk about. Research has proved
that the media can change how people see what's important, affecting what
people think and what gets attention from decision-makers.
"New Directions in Agenda-Setting Theory and Research"
by Maxwell E. McCombs aims to explore and expand upon
the agenda-setting theory, which posits that the media doesn't tell
people what to think, but rather what to think about.
McCombs delves into how this theory has evolved over time and suggests
new avenues for research to further understand the role of media in shaping
public perceptions and priorities..
In the other hand Cultivation theory : Gerbner made Cultivation Theory.Watching lots of TV can make people think the world is more violent. It can cause fear and stress. This theory says the media can shape how we see the world.
James Potter examines and evaluates the cultivation theory, which suggests that long-term exposure to media content shapes individuals' perceptions of reality.Potter critically assesses the strengths and limitations of cultivation theory,
discussing its relevance in the contemporary media landscape and proposing
areas for further research and refinement.
Social media is taking over tv nowadays and it gives more freedomto parties and individuals to express their opinion and beliefs ,salih Guran examines how media frames influence audience perceptions of issues, and is impacted by the rise of social media. Guran likely discusseshow social media platforms shape the framing process, affect public discourse,and influence audience interpretations of news and events.
Effects on behavior : Research looked at how media exposure can changebehavior, like aggression, nice behavior, what people buy, and politicalinvolvement. Studies found that seeing violent media can make kids and teensmore aggressive.
Cultural influence : Media affects culture a lot. It shows and strengthens cultural beliefs in society. It also brings in new thoughts.The culturalinfluence on third world countries can have both positive and negative effects.Positively, it can lead to cultural exchange, enrichment, and economicopportunities through tourism and cultural exports. However, it can also resultin loss of traditional values, and dependency on Western ideals. Additionally,cultural influence can exacerbate inequality and perpetuate stereotypes,impacting identity formation and social cohesion within third world countries.
Media's impact on societies is complex. The way media communicates,how people receive it, and the effects on society need a combined approachto be understood. This shows the importance of using different fields of studyto grasp these interactions.
Methodology
Research Method:
The study was conducted quantitatively to calculate statistically the opinions of the target
population, which consisted of 33 English department students from the Faculty
of Languages, Arts, and Humanities and some friends .
The population has been carefully selected to accomplish the objectives of this study,
answer its questions, and test the proposed hypotheses.
Data Collection:
We surveyed a group of students to gather insights on how media influence people’s
identities . The survey consisted of 14 questions that aimed to measure
participants' experiences and perceptions regarding media influence .
The questions covered various aspects, including how often they watch tv and
social media , how they deal and receive the news and events viewed on media ,
do they think media networks report events objectively or are they controlled
by some parties? We asked too about gender roles represented in the media .
In the end we give them the opportunity to express their ideas about the media .
Results and findings
the majority of respondents are female , followed by male
the majority of respondents are between the ages of 22 and 24 , with smaller groups at
various other ages , including some at age 30.
Most of the respondents watch tv sometimes , followed by those who rarely watch tv ,with
a smaller portion watching tv every day .
The majority of respondents follow media channels on channels ,
almost the thirds don't .
Two thirds of participants think that media networks report events objectively ,
and the last third disagreed with that idea .
More than half of respondents trust the middle east news reported on social media ,
followed by arabic channels , then eastern channels
The majority of respondents divided evenly between lack of trust and sometimes trust
in the news on tv or social media .
More than half of respondents think that the media is controlled by the governments ,
followed by those who’s not sure , with a small portion who disagree .
More than 75% of respondents think that the media can be used to feed societies with
ideas or false news by some parties , followed by those who’s not sure ,
including a noticeable number who disagree with that.
More than half of the participants sympathize with one of the conflict parties ,
followed by almost the third who doesn’t care ,
then a small group who doesn’t sympathize with any part .
Almost half of the respondents agreed that they don't see the real events in media ,
followed by those who don't know , then the rest who think they see the real events
in the media .
More than 52% of the participants see that media representation of gender roles affect
societal perception of gender identity , the rest divided equally between those
who are not sure or don’t know .
Some notes added by the participants
the media is a very powerful tool used to spread fake news and
is a significant issue that impacts public opinion and beliefs.
The media has become a means for states and regimes to spread their
ideas and ideologies, but the intensity of the influence is linked tothe degree of awareness of the citizen and his level of education.
Media can definitely change and shape human perception about anything.
However, it is up to the individual to use his or her own brain to analyze
what is going on around him using the right tools and guidance such as watching multiple sources and seeking trusted sources.
We can say that the media has a major role in covering a group of events
and bringing them closer to the viewer
Discussion of results
The findings of the research reveals most of the participant watch tv rarely
or sometimes in favor of social media , this transition signifies a major adjustment
in the way people interact and consume content. Despite the fact that it was once
centralized, scheduled and confined to certain times, television has now become
more immediate, customized, and interactive through social networks. This elsewhere
represents overall societal shifts such as personalized consumption based on individual
preferences as well as disappearing lines that separate private sphere from the public one.
Moreover , the participants seems they have more trust on influencers in social media
and they think they are more closer to the events , in the other hands media networks
are more controlled and serve their agenda .
By using the events in the middle east as an example it shows that the source of news
makes a big pressure on the reception to pic a side of the conflict and sympathize with it .
The way every side reports the events from their point of view make it very difficult
to know the truth , 72% of the participants in this survey think that they don't see or
do not know the truth on the media channels . Also 97% think that media can be used
to feed some kind of beliefs and spread false news .
The last question about gender represented in media most of the participants seems
to agree with it , media representation plays a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions
of gender identity. The way gender roles are presented in movies, TV shows,
advertisements, and other forms of media can reinforce stereotypes or challenge them,
influencing how individuals perceive themselves and others.
For instance, if media consistently portrays men as strong, dominant, and stoic while
depicting women as nurturing, emotional, and submissive, it perpetuates traditional
gender norms and expectations.
Conversely, media that portrays a diverse range of gender identities and challenges
traditional gender roles can have an impact on society by promoting inclusivity,
acceptance, and equality. It can break down family standards , and empower individuals
to call for strange types of relationships and sexual life .
Ultimately, media representation of gender roles has the power to either reinforce
or challenge societal norms, making it a crucial aspect of the ongoing conversation
around gender identity and equality.
Conclusion
In conclusion , Media outlets often frame events through specific lenses aligned with
their affiliations or agendas, shaping public opinion and understanding. This can lead
to polarization and the perpetuation of biases.
Moreover, the portrayal of gender roles in media contributes to the construction and
reinforcement of societal norms and stereotypes. By imagine certain gender identities
and behaviors, media can either challenge or reinforce existing norms, impacting
individuals' self-perception and societal attitudes towards gender equality.
However, the media also has the power to drive change by challenging stereotypes,
promoting inclusivity . When media outlets prioritize diverse representation and
unattended reporting, they can contribute to promote Strange values in the name
of social equality or freedom .
Ultimately, media consumers play a vital role in evaluating the content they consume
and advocating for more balanced, inclusive representation in media. By being mindful
of biases and seeking diverse perspectives, Individuals can contribute to creating a more
fair and objective media landscape
Appendix
Research survey :
This survey aims to gather information from students about how media influence
people’ identities
gender ?
Male
Female
Prefer not to say
Age ?
18 - 22 years old
22-25 years old
25-29 years old
More than 30 years old
How often do you watch tv ?
Every day
Sometimes
Rarely
Do you follow any media channels on social media ?
Yes
No
Do you think media networks reports events objectively ?
Yes
No
Based on your follow to the last events in the middle east wich media network shows
the truth ?
Eastern ( bbc , cnn …)
Arabic ( al jazira , al arabia …)
Social media influencers
Do you believe what you watch on tv or social media ?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Do you think media is controlled by the governments ?
Yes
No
Maybe
Do you think media can be used to feed societies with ideas or false news by some
parties ?
No
Yes
Maybe
Does following the recent events in the middle east make you sympathize with one of
the parties in war ?
Yes
No
Don't care
Do you think you are seeing the real events in the media ?
No
Yes
Idont know
Do you think that media representation of gender roles affects societal perceptions
of gender identity ?
Yes
No
Maybe
I don’t know
Would you add anything ?
…..
Thank you for your time
References
W james potter A critical analysis of cultivation theory Journal of communication 64 (6), 1015-1036, 2014
McCombs, M. E. (2004). New directions in agenda-setting research. Journal of Communication, 54(4), 704-707.
M. Salih Güran Hüseyin Özarslan Framing Theory in the Age of Social Media (2022) https://doi.org/10.52642/susbed.1142562
Gerbner, G., Gross, L., Morgan, M., Signorielli, N., & Shanahan, J. (2002). Growing up with television: Cultivation processes.
In J. Bryant & D. Zillmann (Eds.), Media effects: Advances in theory and research (pp. 43-67). Routledge.
Google scholar search engine
No comments:
Post a Comment