Introduction to the Critical Investigation: Issues and Debates

1) Write a one-sentence answer to the initial questions in the factsheet:

• Do fashion magazines contribute to the occurrence of eating disorders?                       The obsession placed on people to achieve the 'perfect body' is overwhelmingly shown in the media, leading to people feeling pressured to look a certain way and subsequently this increases the amount of eating disorders people have.  
• Do games make people behave violently?                                                                      There is mixed evidence on this topic. For instance, James Bulger's death was directly caused by violent, graphic content. Often in video games, the same violence is present so it could be argue that it can cause violence. However, studies by Oxford University suggests video games harmless. We could instead argue that violence in video games can trigger violence but this is only when paired with external factors such as having a dysfunctional family.
• Does advertising work?                                                                                                   There is proof advertising is effective as it has been a huge driving factor in why certain products are popular. Also, all the psychology behind it suggests it works. 
• Does social media generate misogyny?                                                                          The social media enables people to share their views, even those that are negative. This suggests misogynistic views can be easily spread and perhaps encourage others to adopt the same view.

2) Having read the two sides to the discussion, what is your opinion on the effects debate? 

Personally, I feel that we cannot wholly blame the media or the people consuming it. Although I do not feel that the media is entirely at fault, it has definitely shown to have an effect on individuals. However, the media can only influence an individual if they are easily influenced or have environmental factors that make them more susceptible to certain influences. For example, if someone if influenced by a graphic murder film and sestet to murder people like in the film, it is likely they were born into a dysfunctional family in a crime ridden area, for instance.

3) Summarise the two sides of the example issues and debates on page 2 of the factsheet:

• Twitter's influence on the news                                                                       Twitter has a huge impact on the news as it has a large audience and many opinion leaders to direct current affairs in a certain way.

• New technology, privacy and Wikileaks                                                             New technology enables quicker accessibility and but the privacy issues and wikileaks can cause sensitive information to be wrongly published.

• Social media and racism, sexism or threats online                                              The social media acts as an outlet for these negative concepts to be spread. Although there is an argument that the media doesn't encourage negative perspectives and only makes it more accessible to people, it undeniably influences those reading it in some way or another.

4) What is your opinion on the growth of transgender issues in media debates?

Transgender issues and the media have a strong correlation. Due to the media, a huge shift in societal bounds has occurred. Now, we are much more accepting of transgender issues. Most of this is evidently due to the positive influence o the media.

Media language

How is digital technology changing the media language of moving image products?

Media products: Tangerine (award winning movie shot entirely on iPhone), news coverage of London Bridge attacks - citizen journalism.

Does the language used in tabloid and broadsheet news media shape the meaning of news stories differently?

Media products: The BBC, Guardian (news outlets)

Ideology

Does the political persuasion of the news media have an impact on the politics of a culture? Yes, we can see this is pervasive in all media platforms.

Media products: Twitter, The BBC, Guardian, Daily Mail

Do ‘twitter storms’ reflect dominant cultural values?

Media products: Twitter

Genre

After 100 years, is it possible for horror films to generate fear? This is debatable as often the horror and gore in the media has desensitised people but we could also argue advances in technology can emphasise the horror to another level and this could frighten audiences.

Media products: Tv programmes, films

How real is ‘reality TV’? It depends ultimately on what show it is, but for the most part the shows are staged to some extent in order to be more dramatic and engage viewers.

Media products: Reality tv shows

Representation

Do marginalised groups have the power to self-represent? Minority groups such as gays are able to stand up for themselves and voice their concerns/opinions.

Media products: Social media

Are mainstream media representations of marginalised groups reinforcing or challenging traditional stereotypes? Gays, for instance are often represented as flamboyant and as strong reinforcers of their group.

Media products: Social media, Tv shows/films

Audience

What gratifications does interaction provide for an audience? They provide diversion, they act as a form of escapism from our own mundane lifestyles.

Media products: Youtube, Netflix, the TV etc.

What relationships do audiences have with media institutions? Personal relationships, they connected the fictional characters and become invested in their lives and narratives.

Media products: Tv series, films

Institution

What are institutions doing to offset ‘the culture of free’? Youtube is restricting content from being posted and enforcing certain regulations.

Media products: Youtube

Do streaming and on demand services alter audience behaviours? Netflix and other similar streaming services have essentially ruined the audiences television used to have.

Media products: Netflix

Narrative

Why do some modern films and broadcast fictions use non-linear narratives? They challenge the viewers. Some audiences prefer content that is difficult to consume and is stimulating. The use of unconventional narrative patterns helps to achieve this.

Media products: We need to talk about Kevin

Does it matter that newspapers structure stories using narrative roles such as ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’? It does matter as it is simply used to ensure easy consumption. The simple binary roles make it easy to read and understand as it communicates a lot of information quickly.

Media products: News outlets like the BBC, The Guardian etc.