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!
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.
Nation before community and society above self: Putting the interests of society ahead of the individual.
Family as the basic unit of society: The family is identified as the most stable fundamental building block of the nation.
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.
Consensus, not conflict: Resolving issues through consensus and not conflict stresses the importance of compromise and national unity.
Racial and religious harmony: Recognises the need for different communities to live harmoniously with one another in order for all to prosper
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 (:
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! :)
