I
have a long history with media that mostly stem from my younger years. In my
youth, television was the center of all my family functions. We spent many
hours sitting in front of the television as it was a cultural norm in my
community. We’d watch television to learn of the violence that was happening
around us, to be updated about our favorite celebrities, or to record a favorite
movie or soap opera. Most people in my neighborhood couldn’t afford cable tv
and had no other alternative outside of off-air broadcasting or “regular” tv,
so we all watched the same things. I learned at an early age “to do what others
do” when it came to media.
This
mentality followed me for many years. Today, there seems to be more cons than
pros when watching television since it mostly displays more negative things in
the world than good. I’ve tried to keep up with everyone by joining all major
social media outlets. However, I have learned along my journey that being a big
media consumer often gets in the way of my daily duties. Currently, I try to
avoid social media unless it’s necessary for school or a job; I often find
myself checking my Instagram or snapchat account only to not feel “left out.
It
is somewhat of a battle in choosing what media to consume outside of social
media. Mostly, I search for respectable, informative, yet entertaining media
outlets. I’m a musician and frequently listen to music, watch YouTube videos,
but stay away from the television unless I can control what is on the screen.
Netflix is my go-to for binging on informative docuseries, this saves me from
being subjected to unwanted news.
Altogether,
I believe media is needed to keep me informed and updated about what’s
happening around me. It has its advantages in my life as well as its
disadvantages. I am learning new ways to adjust and accept its role in my life.
The smart way, I’ve figured, is to balance my consumption of it, yet not let it
consume all of me. It has its place, but it doesn’t control me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Dvq0cDRsI
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