Chapter 1 A Close-Up View of You 25
Advertising is a prominent feature of most
entertainment media. In fact, the dollars you spend
on advertised goods help fi nance these media
outlets. Advertising can inform you about new
or improved products in the market. It can also
lead people to buy goods they cannot really afford
because they are trying to be seen as attractive or
intelligent. Being aware of how ads try to infl uence
you can help you make wiser choices.
Advertisers conduct research to learn why
people prefer certain items over others. That
information helps them develop ads that display
their products in appealing ways to persuade
consumers to choose their products over others
(Figure 1.18). You might want to periodically consider
how media infl uences your daily life. What adver-
tising information can be useful to you in your
personal growth? What messages in advertising
get in the way of your growth and development?
Stress, Violence, and the
Global Environment
Today’s fast-paced society pressures people to
succeed at school, work, and home. News stories
or web messages about terrorism, war, and violence
in communities can also cause stress. Some stress
is positive because it prompts a person to act.
On the negative side, an overuse of technology
may cause people to neglect personal growth and
relationships. In today’s fast-paced, high-tech world,
people must take care not to allow technology to
replace in-person contact. Also, people need to
use communication technology carefully to avoid
the release of private information or contact with
inappropriate material or people. Parents need to
monitor closely how their children use communi-
cation technology. An understanding of both pos-
itive and negative impacts can help people make
choices that will lead to personal growth.
The Infl uence of Media
Technology has increased the types of media
and entertainment sources available. Media include
communication methods like television, magazines,
and websites. These media are used to communi-
cate with, and often entertain, large numbers of
people. As people have more technology in their
homes, the creators of media and entertainment can
infl uence the public—sometimes without people
realizing they are being infl uenced.
For many individuals, the celebrities seen daily
on television become models to imitate—for making
friends, developing relationships, and achieving
romantic success. Think about the models you see
on TV. Are they realistic? Do you agree with the
values they represent? If not, you may wish to
choose others to be the models for your behavior.
Some research shows a link between violent,
aggressive behavior and watching violent movies
or television shows or playing violent video games.
When selecting entertainment options, people need
to choose carefully. The choices they make may
affect how well people control their emotions and
actions.
How do you feel after searching websites or
playing video games for several hours? What
steps can you take to be sure your entertainment
media has a positive impact on your life?
Dragon Images/Shutterstock.com
Figure 1.18 Advertising affects buying decisions,
often unconsciously. Which recent ad most
impressed you?
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