Mass media - powerful?

What is mass media? According to Trenholm, there are 2 kinds of media, the old and the new. The old media refers to traditional one-to-many forms of mediated communication such as TV, radio, newspapers and books. New media refers to digital information and telecommunications systems, like the Internet and handphones.


So what are the outcomes of mass media? Many theories have been proposed in the last 90 years. This blog entry will focus on the 2 extreme sides of the theories.


The Powerful Effects Theory was proposed in the 1920-1930s. It believed that the mass media is all powerful and influential, and this leaves the audience powerless and passive. The intended message is wholly received and accepted by the audience. Naturally, we would think this theory to be absolute nonsense. Us, being ‘brainwashed’ by every message that we hear, is it even possible?


However, in 1938, a radio station illustrated how this theory might be possible.


Listen!



As part of their Halloween’s joke, the radio station broadcasted a novel - ‘The War of the World’ as news flash and emergency response bulletins. There were reports of how Martians had landed and invaded Earth and were causing widespread destruction. Regular programming broke down as the studio struggled to keep up with casualty updates, firefighting developments and the like. It caused widespread panic among millions of people and police had to be sent to control the crowd.

It was the first time The War of the Worlds broadcast had been attempted in the United States, so listeners were accustomed to accepting newsflashes as reliable. However, this theory is less likely to work nowadays as audience have the power to verify what they hear on radio with other media.


The opposite of the Powerful Effects theory is the Limited effects theory, which was proposed in the 1950-60s. It argues that the media is powerless and that the audiences are powerful. Audiences are active with the ability to resist media message. We sought out competing media messages for our own needs, such as for surveillance, to improve or strengthen personal identities and for diversion. Many of us read the newspapers daily to keep up with current affairs and trends. We also use the mass media to enrich ourselves so that we have things in common with our friends. However, this theory states that if we are not happy or satisfied with what the mass media has to offer, we can simply just turn it off.


Really?

As much as we say we have the right to choose whether we want to be influenced by mass media or not, it is ineveitable that we are subjected to mass media influences everyday, everywhere. It is too ideal to say that we have total control.


In conclusion, over the years, we have come to regard the Powerful effects theory and Limited Effects theory to be obsolete in this generation. What we have in place today are the Moderate effects models, which state that the ability of the media to influence its audience remains, but media selectivity does not equates to no effects!

Individualist vs. Collectivist

In 1976, Harry Triandis came up with the concept of Individualism vs. Collectivism. Well, according to dictionary.com,



Collectivism: n. the principles or system of ownership and control of the means of production and distribution by the people collectively, usually under the supervision of a government.


Individualism: A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state or social group


Most Asian countries tend towards collectivist cultures while western countries tend towards individualism. So what about Singapore? Take a look at the descriptions below and try to see which culture Singapore fits into.


A collectivist society is highly interdependent. Whenever there are decisions to be made, there has to be consultations on each other’s idea and opinions. Everyone should be consulted on before arriving at a conclusion. For instance, in a collectivist culture, if a man wants to change his job, he cannot just do so. He has to consult his family and get their approval first. In contrast, parents from an individualist society would probably feel that their child is too dependent on them if he has to get their approval for every single thing he does.


A collectivist society also includes having interpersonal sensitivity. It is important to think about how decisions made by a person can affect others. Collectivism emphasizes consideration to the needs and feelings of others. For instance, a man who wants to tear down his house will not do so immediately. He is likely to consider if it will inconvenience his neighbours. In contrast, in an individualistic society, he will have no second doubts about demolishing his house as it is his property and he has every right to do so.


People in a collectivist society tend to conform to the requirements of the group. If society decreed that certain behaviours are not accepted, people will conform to it. In most Asian countries, ideas of homosexuality are not accepted. Society frowns upon such behavior and it is considered shameful to be in a homosexual relationship. As such, people conform by wither not accepting it or by being very quiet about having it. In most western countries however, which are largely individualistic in nature, people are open to the idea of homosexuality as they feel that it is a freedom of act and that they have no right to infringe on the rights of others.


People with collectivist mindset believe in self-sacrifice. They do not mind taking the rap for others, and do not mind not getting their due social recognition. For instance, if an employee has done something wrong, the blame will be on the supervisor for not doing his job, and his supervisor will take the rap for him. For an individualistic society, however, an individual is responsible for his own work and he will be blamed for any work done wrong. He also prefers to have social recognition – to be given their due credit.


These are the four big differences of a collectivist vs. an individualist culture. Have you figured out which one does Singapore belongs to? =)


[Ans: Collectivist]

Sinagapore's 5 shared values
The main theme underlying the set of Shared Values emphasises communitarian values and reflects Singapore's heritage.

1. Nation before community and society above self: Putting the interests of society ahead of the individual.
2. Family as the basic unit of society: The family is identified as the most stable fundamental building block of the nation.
3. Community support and respect for the individual: Recognises that the individual has rights, which should be respected and not light encroached upon. Encourages the community to support and have compassion for the disadvantaged individual who may have been left behind by the free market system.
4. Consensus, not conflict: Resolving issues through consensus and not conflict stresses the importance of compromise and national unity.
5. Racial and religious harmony: Recognises the need for different communities to live harmoniously with one another in order for all to prosper

7 reasons why we get into a relationship!

Ever wonder why you'll get into a relationship? It has to be more than just mutual liking, isn't it? Well, there are actually 7 broad reasons why we get into relationships :)


1. Physical appearances


Much as we like to say "Beauty is only skin-deep", it sadly isn't really the case at the first stage of a relationship. In fact, it is considered the most important factor. Our own perceptions of physical attractiveness are what draws us to a person, to make us take a second glance and go "Wow". The way we judge physical appearances are also greatly influenced by cultural norms and socialisation. If your society does not favour plastic surgery, chances are, you won't either. Mixing with beautiful people all the time will also raise your own standards when looking for a partner as well.

2. Similarity


We tend to be attracted to people who are similar to us. It reduces any potential risks as people from different backgrounds will have different values or lifestyles. We favour people who have common interests, beliefs and even educational levels as us. Indeed, this is why we often hear excuses of "We don't click." or "Personality differences" given for couples who broke up.

3. Dissimilarity


However, there are some who get together simply because "opposites attract". We sometimes choose to be with someone who is different from us in every way. In fact, complementary differences can sustain a relationship as they function better together than apart. For instance, someone reserved might choose to be with someone open and charismatic. The reserved one can become more popular, while the charismatic one might feel at peace when with his or her partner.


4. Exchange


We also form relationships based on our perceptions of the costs and rewards we can get from it. We enter a relationship with a general expectation of what we deserve to get out of it. Although it sounds mercenary and seems to view relationships as a transaction, entering a relationship entails investments of all sorts - of time, of money and of feelings. Hence, people tend to weigh and see if a relationship is worth their efforts before committing to one.


5. Proximity


Many relationships start due to this factor. Proximity refers to the chance to get to know a person more to form a relationship with the person. Shared social contacts allow greater opportunities for greater interaction and less intimidation and uncertainty. Imagine wanting to know a new guy in school, who would have more opportunity - his neighbour, or you? (Well, don't give up hope yet. Ever heard the saying "Familiarity breeds contempt"? ;)


6. Reciprocity and liking


We tend to form relationships with those who reciprocate our communication as this minimizes risk. The perception that someone likes us serves as a form or validation.


7. Competency


There are some who form relationships with only those who are competent. This includes those who excel in sports, at work, or even in looks. However, its importance is subjective, as it depends on the individuals and the types of competency. It can also be due to cultural or social norms.


Most of the times, we do not depend solely on a single factor, but instead, a combination of a few of them. What has been a factor for you? Or are there any more factors that aren't here? Do share (:

How to get the girl you want in 5 steps!

See the girl of your dreams but have no idea how to approach them? Let’s take a look at the 5 easy steps you can take to snag her!

Aha! There she is, the girl of your dreams. Ever wonder what about her that caught your attention? Following Knapp’s Relational Development Model, you are now currently at the first stage called Initiating. This is where you rely on your first impressions to decide if she is the girl you want to have a relationship with or not. Screening and filtering occurs here as you now decide if she’s the girl you want to impress. In fact, before you go over and chat her up, take a look at your dressing first. Are you dressed to impress? Physical appearance plays a very important role here. People are usually very self-conscious about their verbal and non-verbal behavior, to portray the best of themselves. Conversations tend to be light, safe and friendly, and responses are used to survey the possibility of closer relationships.

Well, now that you have managed to get her attention and interest, how you proceed on from here is very crucial. You either proceed as a couple to the next stage, or remain as acquaintances. The next stage of Knapp’s model that you are now at would be Experimenting, and this is when the two of you start to ‘feel each other out’. There are attempts to find common ground between the two of you through self-disclosure and reciprocity. You share more information with each other on the cultural, social and psychological information. Does she love rock climbing? Or, hey, she enjoys watching soccer too! In other words, you make small talk to further your relationship.

So she has interest in you too! Now that the two of you are interested in each other, you will now be at the Intensifying stage. The both of you start disclosing more of your feelings and thoughts to the other party. You acknowledge that she is the girl you want. There is an increase in commitment, awareness and participation. Both of you are also willing to associate yourselves with the other party, thinking of yourselves as a “we”.

You know you are at the 4th stage of Knapp’s model called the Integration when people start to see you as a couple. You know her character well and acknowledge all of her faults and vice versa, for the deepest level of self-disclosure occurs here. There’s coupling of individual characters into a relational unit. Both of you are glad to show through your actions and behaviors, that “We are a couple!”

Congratulations! It has been a long journey but you are now at the final stage of the coming together part of Knapp’s Model of Relational Development, called Bonding. In this stage, both of you formalizes the obligation and commitment you have to each other. You proudly proclaim it to the rest of the world through significant public rituals such as having a trip down to the Registry of Marriage, or having a child.


Got all of the five steps down? Now good luck as you go on your hunt! :)

how to give a bad speech!

Nonverbal communication occurs when a stimulus other than words creates meaning in the mind of the communicator. It contains intentional symbolic behavior and is receiver –oriented, which means that it is up to the receiver to understand the meaning behind the nonverbal cues. Nonverbal cues are an influential source of meaning, taking up to 60% of communication. This means that communication is not just about talking and listening to a person, it means to take in the whole picture of his body language and even how he spoke.


Take a look at this video here!

Besides the fact that we cannot make out his speech, most of us would feel that he was terribly nervous from what he was telling us nonverbally. Now let us take a look at his nonverbal cues.

Remember how much he was fidgeting? He could not help but move his arms about on the podium ledge as he speaks, sometimes clenching and unclenching them. He was also moving his body from side to side. There were even times where he sighed halfway through his speech, as though tired of making his speech. His body language subconsciously goes into this mode to show his nervousness, and even without hearing his speech, we automatically conclude that he is feeling very flustered.

Also, his vocal nonverbal cues were really good indication of how unprepared and nervous he was for his speech! He sighed in his speech and there were also times where he paused too long. Sometimes in speeches, vocal nonverbal cues can be a part of communication too. For him, what he was saying was not only his speech, but also how nervous he was.

Apart from his body language and articulation, his eyes also gave him away. If you can recall, his eyes were darting about nervously, and he preferred not making eye-contact with his audience. Many good speakers are well-aware that the eyes are a very important tool of nonverbal communication. That is why during speeches or campaigns, speakers usually look straight into the camera, or into the eyes of their audience. It gives the impression that they are confident of what they are saying and are sure of their abilities.

Last but not least, let us take a look at how he was dressed for his class speech. Granted, it was only a class speech so there was no need to wear formal attire like suits and pants, as required for important speeches (think of how US President Obama and Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong dress for any of their speeches) However, wearing a cap, a ratty T-shirt and sweatpants is definitely not the proper dress code for a speech. Physical appearances say a lot about a person and many first impressions are formed from the way people look or dressed. We associate specific personalities with the way people dress. For example, a person dressed in branded goods would be associated with being a shopaholic, or a person who wear basketball shoes as an athletic.

Communication is not just about speaking to others and understanding what people are saying. It also includes how we portray ourselves, what our body language or tone is communicating nonverbally to others. After taking a look at the video and reading this post, how many nonverbal cues have you been using to mis-communicate? =)

Let's learn Chinese!

Take a look at this video:




Given the rise of China as a global economic and cultural power, the language has made its presence felt all over the world, as seen by the opening ceremony of The 2008 Beijing Olympics. Investors and businessmen who had forseen what China is capable of promising are all learning Mandarin.




Have you seen this video before? It was part of Singapore's Speak Mandarin Campaign 2009.

Singapore's Speak Mandarin Campaign has started since 1979, and recent campaigns have turned their attention to focus on children instead. Indeed, people have started realizing the importance of learning mandarin nowadays. There are some who pick up the Chinese language because it proves useful in business. There are some who adopt the language simply because our parents said so. Whatever the reasons may be, today more than ever, there is no denying the importance of learning Chinese.

Some of you might ask, why do we have to learn Mandarin? Isn't it enough that there are Chinese who understand the international language of English? Well, it definitely is not enough.

Firstly, language is symbolic. As quoted from Thinking through Communication, " To communicate, people must find a way to express the ideas that originate in their minds." Having a common language helps us to understand better what each other is talking about and how they feel, as we are now starting from a common ground. Many misunderstandings have occurred due to language barriers. For instance, every Mandarin word has four tones, and each of the four tones can mean a different word. What was meant as a greeting may come across as an insult. Not knowing how to speak Mandarin properly when dealing with their China-counterparts can lead to misunderstandings and unhappiness, and eventually lead to a failure in business dealings for investors.
Also, learning Chinese also means that we get a chance to understand a different culture. The Chinese language belongs to a high-context culture, where it is not necessary to spell out messages explicitly. They believe that where and how something is said is as important as what is said. As such, it is important to understand the language to further understand the other contextual cues that Chinese uses. Understanding the culture will also help us in doing the 'correct' thing at the right time. For instance, the Chinese have many taboos. It is considered very inauspicious to give a clock as a gift as the Chinese phrase for 'giving a clock' sounds the same as the phrase for 'sending a person off for his funeral'. The Chinese pronunciation for 'pears' sounds the same as the one for 'leaving', which means it is also a taboo to give pears. A false step due to a lack of understanding in the Chinese culture will leave many investors and businessmen unknowingly 'blacklisted'.

Given the rise in power of China both economically and culturally, it is a wise choice to start mastering Chinese. Sooner or later, we will have to encounter situations where we have to deal with Chinese, and knowing their language will put us at an advantage over the rest!

Banning of Facebook in council

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/8231234.stm

This article talks about how a council is to ban Facebook on its computers after it was revealed staff spent on average 400 hours on the site every month. Usage of Facebook is becoming such a serious problem for government sectors that its authorities have to resort to banning its staff from using it. Facebook is a live system where users can post how they feel or what they think, and they are able to get immediate responses from their friends. People can easily post what they want to share and their friends are able to reply immediately.

Facebook is an example of the interactive model of communication. For these council staff, both senders and receivers are active participants influenced by their own individual factors, such as whether they are affected by the statement the sender has posted on Facebook, or even whether they are interested in what the sender has to say. There is feedback and processes of encoding and decoding are taking place.

However, in the office, a transactional communication model is going on. There is simultaneous exchange and mutual influence between the staff and the authorities. In this case, it can be seen that their communication has been negatively affected by the environment, their usage of Facebook. What the staff views as important, such as the updating of their Facebook statuses, is not decoded by their superiors as such. In fact, it is decoded as employees not doing their jobs well and wasting taxpayers’ money. Banning its staff from using Facebook is a way to remove the negative influences of the environment by doing away with distractions. In this way, they will be better able to decode the messages that their work requires them to do.

Facebook has been a source of controversy ever since it was launched. Critics of it have long warned that playing Facebook can cause disruptions and distractions to our daily lives just because Facebook is so accessible and easy-to-use! However, even though we all know about the negative effects of using Facebook, we just cannot stop ourselves from becoming addicted to it. Using it is one of the recent fads to follow and to not use it is a way of ostracizing yourself. This is what Francis Bacon has analyzed – the Idol of the Theatre. We accept the fashion uncritically and this may lead to many misunderstandings.