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American Television and Streaming: The Role of Media in Shaping Values and Beliefs

Published: 25th Jun 2024   |   Last Updated: 6th Nov 2024

Words: 1481    Pages: 6

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TV and online streaming services in the United States are more than just forms of entertainment; they play a significant role in spreading values, shaping views, and managing how society interacts.  From old-fashioned sitcoms to modern internet series, they act as influential platforms to establish and strengthen norms, beliefs, and ideologies. By studying this contemporary practice, we can learn how America uses media to greatly affect people's thoughts, set social standards, and support its diverse culture. So, watch out for the stories and the characters you see on your screen, take note of the themes presented, and think about their impact. Recognize the power of sitcoms and web series and how they define norms and beliefs. Study and understand the profound effect of media. Remember, every show you consume could potentially shape how you understand and interact with the world around you.

Impact of Television on American Culture and Public Opinion

Television, introduced in America around the late 1940s, significantly impacted the country's culture and public opinion. For the first time, families had a window into world events, politics, and diverse cultures, right in their own living rooms. This shared experience swiftly transformed public dialogue, created common cultural touchstones, and influenced public sentiment. A prime example is the Nixon-Kennedy debates in 1960. Before this, people could only read about such discussions. By watching them on TV, they could observe the candidates' demeanor, charisma, and body language, which made a huge impact on their voting choices. It marked a turning point in political campaigns, steering the focus on candidates's visual appeal besides their political beliefs.

Influence of Television on American Pop Culture

Television has profoundly impacted American popular culture, mirroring and molding societal standards and views. When TV became widespread in the mid-1900s, it brought shared experiences to American households. Popular shows, news, and trends reached people across the country. Hit TV series like "Friends" and "The Simpsons" shaped catchphrases and characters that people use in their daily chats and jargon. TV offers a window to the wider world, allowing Americans to learn about other cultures and lifestyles. This broadens their views and influences. Aside from providing fun and relaxation, TV has played a key role in increasing awareness about societal issues, greatly boosting changes in social views. The portrayal of a variety of characters and topics has altered public opinions on sensitive matters like gender equality, sexuality, and racial variety. But the TV’s influence on American popular culture isn't all good. There are concerns about the promotion of negative actions and a focus on consumption. There's no denying the impact TV has on American popular culture. This influence keeps changing as viewers and their tastes change. Let's watch TV critically and mindfully. Understand the influence it can have on you. Engage in conversations about the media content. Evaluate the positive and negative aspects, and let's encourage responsible consumption and representation.

The Influence of Streaming Services on Modern Society

Streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube have changed the way we live in several significant ways. They've impacted our entertainment choices, culture, and even our friendships. They've made entertainment more accessible. Instead of being stuck with cable TV or CDs, we can now choose to watch or listen to anything we want, anytime we want. Forget about rearranging your day around TV show schedules. Just tune in whenever you want. Also, streaming services introduce us to a wide range of new content. Can't find a show from another country on normal TV? Use streaming! Looking for an independent artist's music? Try streaming! This access to variety encourages understanding and sharing between different cultures and promotes diversity. Don't forget our social lives. Streaming allows us to share what we love with friends online. You can talk about your favorite shows or music, suggest them to others, or even watch together at a virtual watch party.

Streaming also produces useful data. Algorithms can study the shows and music we like and suggest more of the same. This data also provides important insights for businesses in areas like marketing and advertising. Despite potential problems like too much screen time or data privacy, streaming services have made a lasting impact on our lives. They're more than just a new technology. They're a cultural movement that affects our entertainment, social connections, and understanding of others in the digital era. So jump on board the streaming train! Choose new shows or music! Recommend to a friend! Join a virtual watch party! Enjoy the variety and ease of streaming!

How American media defines social norms and values

American media has a major influence on setting societal standards, which it does through TV shows, films, music, print, and online content. It shows us what's okay and not okay in our society by defining features like beauty, success, moral conduct, and behavior and nudging people to follow them. Media shapes norms, which are behavioral rules set by society. For instance, characters admired in popular TV shows teach us what traits are good to have. Characteristics such as being bold, ambitious, and independent have consistently been shown as positive in the media. At the same time, media can also change stiff norms. This is evident in the increased presence and positive display of diverse and marginalized groups, encouraging acceptance and inclusion.

Media also shapes what we value—concepts that are generally seen as good or important. Messages promoting hard work, determination, and never giving up are often spread by the media, and these values become deeply ingrained in our society. For instance, the many success-from-nothing stories in films and the news emphasize the American Dream, highlighting values like persistence, individualism, and capitalism. In addition, media mirrors society, bouncing back the values that are important to us. This can be seen in how media attention on climate change showcases society's growing focus on being environmentally responsible. Media can exaggerate extreme views, distorting societal norms and values. So, while shaping tastes, media outlets need to carefully and objectively determine and share societal norms and values. This is because media influence is vast, shaping the views and actions of millions, if not billions, of people. In short, American media is a powerful driver of societal norms and values. Although its effect is mostly not direct, it strengthens the idea that the relationship between media and people is a key part of societal change. So, keep an open mind while consuming media and understand its role in shaping your thoughts and behaviors.

The Role of Television and Streaming in Shaping Political Views

TV and streaming services have a big impact on people's political views. They can educate, persuade, and sometimes even swing viewers' ideas about politics. For many years, TV has been a main source of news for lots of people. News channels and shows shape how the public sees politicians, political parties, and how the government works. These platforms spotlight some issues and downplay others, influencing viewers' political opinions over time. For example, the way a news channel portrays a political scandal can mold viewers' opinions, steering their view either for or against the issue or person involved. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime bring a new twist to things. They often host political shows and documentaries, consciously or unconsciously endorsing a certain political opinion with the shows they offer.

For instance, viewers who watch a series emphasizing the downside of a certain political system might form a prejudice against that system, affecting their political beliefs. It's also important to think about social media platforms that also show streaming content. Sharing political news is almost instant, making it a powerful tool for shaping political ideas. The drawback is that it can also let false information and bias spread quickly. To sum up, TV has a long history of shaping political views, and streaming services have increased this influence. The information and outlook these platforms provide greatly mold public comprehension and set their political beliefs. It's crucial for viewers to be careful and think critically when watching such content to differentiate real facts from just confirmation of their bias.

The concluding thoughts

In simple words, American TV and online shows have greatly influenced our values and beliefs. These platforms are adding programs that get people talking about old and new topics. This has helped remove barriers and gives balanced and inclusive information. These media outlets are much more than entertainment—they're turning into tools for education, showing the many sides of our society. Although there are worries about content control, it's encouraging to see how the media can bring about big changes. As viewers, we have to use these media outlets actively and responsibly. American TV and streaming services have changed traditional expectations and are now strong platforms for social discussions and changes. So, value the impact of TV and streaming services on society. Engage in discussion on the content seen. Watch actively and responsibly. recognize these platforms as not only sources of entertainment but educational tools as well.

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