As we have been studying the power of media in class comma i've noticed changes in the way i pay attention to things around me. Media used to feel like background noise just entertainment, trends, and updates but now I catch myself analyzing the purpose behind what I'm seeing. I think more about who created the message, who benefits from it and how it's trying to influence people. Whether I'm scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or even watching the news, I find myself connecting what we discuss in class to real life situations. I now notice behaviors in people, including myself, and how much of it comes from something we saw online. Research shows that people’s thoughts, moods, and behaviors are strongly shaped by social media exposure, which explains why I see these patterns so clearly now (American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2022/social-media-children-teens )
One of the biggest changes is how I interpret trends and online conversations. Before, I would just consume content without thinking too deeply, but now I see the strategies behind it. When a video goes viral, I mediately think the hashtag power and how quickly information spreads.
I have also become more critical of news and celebrity content. I catch myself asking is this real? Is this edited? Was the intention behind this? Even in my own life, I pay attention to how media shapes the way people talk dress react emotionally or even form opinions.
Understanding media influence gives me a sense of awareness that I didn't have before. It also makes me want to be more reasonable with what I share and how I engage online. Learning to think critically, question messages, analyze presentation, and understand persuasion is a major part of media literacy. This class has helped me develop a stronger voice, and at the same time, giving me the tools to separate truths from performance.
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