Reflections on my time in Media, Self, and Society
The Media, Self, and Society program helped me explore the media’s impact on myself individually and on society as a whole, as well as those inverse combinations. Upon starting this program media’s role in my life was almost exclusively used for entertainment purposes when I had free time to spare. I would listen to local and national news stations, for around 30 minutes including commercials, while preparing for school. Over the past three semesters my media consumption habits have changed a bit. I go out of my way more often to find more information on news stories. I spend more time on social media apps but use them for a range of purposes. In the past I would typically just use social media to see what friends are up to and a quick laugh. But now I rely on social media more to inform myself about what is going on in the rest of the world. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Black Lives Matter Movement, and other events media’s role in society has also changed over the past three semesters. Here in the United States and around the world, the media’s role has become crucial to the way we receive vital information and organize with others.
Social media content that I have witnessed recently that could be potentially harmful to myself and society have been DIY TikTok trends. Based on my interests, the TikTok algorithm has brought more than a few health and beauty related trends onto my for you page. One recent trend was to file your teeth with a nail file for a more aesthetically pleasing smile. This can be damaging to young users’ self-image and potentially inflict physical harm if they follow the trend. A helpful alternative to getting caught up in these trends would be to follow a few health professionals and aestheticians on social media. They are easily accessible on social media and often verify whether a trend is safe or not. My media experience has actually helped me identifying this safer alternative. Similarly, to how I have started seeking out credible sources for news, I have also started following credible experts in personal interests. Instead of just following the popular voices and who I find entertaining, I will include a few knowledgeable accounts.
For my first two semesters at Maryland, I got the opportunity to roommate with my long time best friend. We grew to be even closer friends during our time on campus.
One example of a misunderstanding of the role of social media in our lives occurred earlier this year. There was a substantial misunderstanding with the online Blackout Tuesday event. My Media experience enabled my ability to identify and understand a possible problem with the proposed event. Upon initially hearing about the event, I understood participants were expected to post a blacked out photo on social media, to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, and observe Blackout Tuesday by educating yourself on racial injustice. I was skeptical of if I should choose to participate and who started this challenge. It was strange that at the height of protests and coverage of ongoing racial issues we should just all stop sharing information and talking about it to show solidarity. After further research, I found out the trend was intended for big corporations to take a break from posting to show solidarity with the movement, customers, and employees. But the most significant misunderstanding was when participants used Black Lives Matter hashtags on their posts, flooding the tags with black screens and hindering protestors from finding important information to stay safe.
Being a critical consumer and producer of media comes with a consciousness of the validity, relevance, and motives of the information you are spreading or consuming. In contrast, a passive consumer may take any of the media they consume at face value. The passive consumer does not stop to consider or research if the media they consumed is true or why it was published. I now consider myself to be a critical consumer and producer of media. After reading a shocking news story or post, I will verify with a few other sources to check if it is actually true. Additionally, before reposting something I will fact check it, so I am not aiding in the spread of misinformation.
Outside of Scholars, I played clarinet in the Mighty Sound of Maryland and Maryland Pep Band. I enjoyed performing with both ensembles and made lifelong friends in my section. Here is a picture of me playing in Terp Alley and the CNET's at the 2019 Band Banquet.
Media, Self, and Society brought me into contact with a few concepts that challenged my previous beliefs. The first belief that was challenges was that I rely on unbiased media sources. In learning about media bias, I learned that the media outlets I used to gravitate to are a bit more biased than I thought and other sources that do more unbiased reporting. The second belief that Media challenged was that I am in complete control of my choices in media consumption. I learned in this program a few different ways that targeted advertising can be unknowingly very influential in decision making.
My learning experience was improved by interacting with other Media Scholars. Since the University of Maryland is such a large school it was nice meeting people through this program. Whereas in 200+ student lectures there is no way I could get to know most of them just through the class. Interacting with other Media Scholars at least ensured there were a few familiar faces around this massive campus and in some of my classes.
