Tiêu đề GA MASS MEDIA & ADVERTISING.docx ✅

Question 1: The mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, shape people’s ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? The proliferation of mass media platforms, encompassing television, radio, and newspapers, has sparked a debate regarding the extent to which they shape people's ideas. Whilst the influence of the mass media in sculpting public opinion is undeniable, I disagree with the view that it exclusively molds individuals' thoughts. The mass media plays a pivotal role in shaping people's ideas by disseminating information and framing narratives. For instance, during the Vietnam War, media coverage exposed the harsh realities of the conflict. The infamous photograph of a young girl, naked and burned by napalm, shocked the world and fueled opposition to the war. This example is a testament to how media coverage can significantly impact public perceptions and shape people’s ideas. However, it would be a sweeping generalization to claim that the mass media totally dictates the way people conceive of things. This is because human cognition is a complex process affected by a multitude of factors, including personal experiences, education, and cultural background. For example, while newspapers and television often convey a specific narrative of the Vietnam War, the lived experiences of older generations or the history lessons of younger ones lead to a diverse array of perceptions about this event. This goes to show that individual thoughts are far too multifaceted to be exclusively shaped by the media.
Furthermore, one must consider the influence of alternative sources of information, such as the internet, social networks, and interpersonal communication. The advent of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook has democratized information dissemination, reducing the monopoly of the traditional mass media. Consequently, individuals are not solely reliant on television, radio, or newspapers for shaping their worldview. In conclusion, the mass media undoubtedly plays a substantial role in shaping people's ideas, but it is an overreach to claim it as the sole arbiter of public thought. Factors including individual critical thinking, personal beliefs, and alternative information sources collectively contribute to the molding of opinions and beliefs in society. Word count: 324 – Written by Thanh Nguyen (8.5 Writing)
Question 2: The majority of news being reported is bad news, such as wars, famines, accidents, and crime. Why is this the case? Should there be a balance between good and bad news on the mass media? It is widely recognized that people are being constantly bombarded with negative news stories such as economic crises, poverty, and conflicts, among others. This essay will first outline the underlying causes of this phenomenon, before arguing for a more balanced approach that evenly distributes negative and positive news. The increasing prevalence of negative news can be attributed primarily to two factors: commercial appeal and cognitive bias. As for the former, news agencies are fundamentally businesses that strive to attract maximum viewership to drive advertisement revenues. Negative news, often dramatic and sensational, garners substantial public attention, thereby bolstering ratings. This concept, colloquially known as "If it bleeds, it leads", manifests in the deluge of distressing headlines seen daily. On the cognitive front, humans exhibit a "negativity bias" - a psychological predisposition to give more attention to negative stimuli. Evolutionarily, this bias evolved as a survival mechanism, preparing us to confront potential threats. In the context of news consumption, this innate predilection inclines us towards negative news, further fanning the flames of this trend. However, constant exposure to distressing news stories can contribute to a sense of hopelessness, diminishing individuals' mental well-being and overall social morale on a grander scale. Worse still, an excessive focus on negative
news can give rise to a skewed understanding of the world, as positive developments and accomplishments often go unnoticed or underrepresented. This imbalance in reporting can fuel a cycle of pessimism, hindering progress and collective problem-solving efforts. This is why it is essential to strike a balance in news coverage, ensuring that both positive and negative stories receive adequate attention to provide readers with a more comprehensive and accurate representation of our complex world. In conclusion, what seems to be the core of the predominance of negative news is commercial incentives and human cognitive bias. As placing inordinate emphasis on reporting negative news stories can lead to a litany of far-reaching repercussions for both individuals and society, the government and news agencies should ramp up their efforts to balance the dissemination of good and bad news on the mass media. Word count: 344 – Written by Thanh Nguyen (8.5 Writing)