It seems that all mass media fulfill these three functions to some degree. Some more than others - often it depends on the genre. Newspapers, certain magazines (Time, National Geographic, etc), some websites, and books are the best informers. When I need to be informed about the world around me, I go to www.nytimes.com and read the front page. I also pick up a Daily Universe on campus to be informed on what's going on around our school. Within the Church we even have Church magazines and the Church News to keep us informed on what is going on within the Church. Other media that informs are personal websites, blogs and facebook pages. Then the individual is able to inform others about something going on in their life, or about anything else.
The mass media that entertain are music (ipods, itunes, pandora), movies (dvd's, movie theaters) tv, magazines, books, video games and cell phones. Each individual chooses the media that entertains them and it is different for everyone. When I want to be entertained I chose the song or movie that I want to watch. However, I am very picky when it comes to the media I choose to let into my life. When I think of being entertained I think of reading a classic novel or a biography. We have examples of entertainment all around us. It seems that the movie theater is a very popular means of entertainment. Some people with Iphones are entertained on their cell phones because they are able to surf the web and watch YouTube, watch TV, or listen to the radio.
As far as persuading, I feel like tv talk shows, radio talk shows, and certain books, magazines, and websites are able to persuade the best. An example of the power of persuasion in the mass media is Oprah. I just went to Oprah's website and watched a video about Gwyneth Paltrow's workout. I can see how this clip could persuade others to exercise and take care of their bodies. I feel like Oprah is a large-scale opinion leader. I also feel that music (or music groups) can be very persuasive and can lead others to follow them. I feel like the newspaper is for the most part objective and not very persuasive. However, according to Agenda Setting theory, it does tell the reader WHAT to think about. I personally don't like the powerful influence of persuasion that comes so naturally through the media. Another major means of persuasion is through television commercials. The advertisers are so wise in sending the right messages to get the right people to pay attention to and be persuaded by their message.
It is vital that we become very media savvy so that we can pick and choose what we watch, read, and listen to in order to know how we're being persuaded. Then we can decide if we will be persuaded or not. And, if it is our choice, are we being persuaded? :)
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