What Are You Really Afraid Of?
how media pressure influences the way we feel
According to the adage, there's nothing to fear but fear itself. In the days when many forms of unreasonable discipline were acceptable, it was the secret weapon of parents who used it to keep their children in line. Even though they had never actually seen the boogie-man or been confronted by a vengeful policeman, the mere threat of the possibility made kids think twice before doing whatever they had been told not to. Having little experience of life and its consequences, imagination filled in the blanks and, depending on the child, the effect on their future disposition could be brief or long-lasting. Being brought up in this way, it isn't surprising that adults continue to worry about things that haven't happened to them yet, but still fear that they might. One of the main distillers of this concern is the media in general, television in particular. Whether reality or fiction, broadcast messages influence the lives and health of those who receive them.
I know I harp on about it, but news reports and current affairs programmes are the worst offenders. Crimes do occur, also terrible road accidents; and there always seems to be a war going on somewhere in the world; but violence and tragedy are nowhere near as prevalent as the media would have us believe. Good things happen too, as a percentage far more than the bad stuff. Unfortunately for us, these aren't considered as newsworthy and we are subjected instead to truck-loads of negative content because it is dramatic and it stirs the emotions of those who watch, and watch, and watch again. It's almost as if we are addicted to it. In truth, we are, and we suffer because of that addiction.
No different to anyone else, I find myself drawn towards stories of pain and misfortune. The public-spirited presenter warns: "The images we are about to show may be confronting to some viewers." They've got me! I have to see what has the potential to wound my sensitivity, even though I've checked out similar pictures every night of the week. Needless to say, I am upset yet again. The evening meal could be fairly bland, but I suffer indigestion. Sounds outside that are ignored during the day suddenly become cause for concern and I'm on edge, wondering if someone's up to no good and I'm their target. We have never been the victims of a home-invasion and I hope we never will be, but the possibility goes through our minds each time we see a news report of one. It seems ridiculous - we live in a quiet country town where this sort of thing rarely occurs, yet by constant media repetition verging on brain-washing, we are made aware of the latent danger and find ourselves preparing for an impending attack!
Of course, the news isn't the only show on the box. Sitcoms are popular and, silly though some might be, they are generally uplifting, portraying incidents and characters in cartoon-fashion not to be taken seriously. These can have a positive effect on health, lightening moods, engendering happiness rather than doom and gloom. As long as the stupidity can be tolerated, these programmes are purely entertainment and viewers are unlikely to draw comparisons with their own lives. They simply watch to enjoy. If, by chance, they do become irritated by the antics, they will probably switch to another channel. Funny - they can do that with a sitcom that's only making them frown, while remaining glued to a show that has their stomach tied in knots!
Although the mere thought of it makes me cringe, I suppose I should mention "Reality TV". I guess it's because the genre is extremely popular and I'm simply trying to give everyone a fair shake. I have to admit that some of the "cop" shows catch my attention. For a few minutes at least, I tag along with law-enforcement officers as they stop and question possible offenders in a variety of situations from airports to the beach. Then I become aware that an uncomfortable feeling of resentment towards petty criminals is making me increasingly angry, so I switch to something else. Certain presentations I never watch cause a similar reaction simply by being advertised. I am amazed how gullible viewers can be so convinced the events related in the shows in question are actually spontaneous and unscripted. Talent contests, survival challenges, cooking competitions - they are all about spectacular television and ratings. They are no more a true reflection of real life than the so-called "live" game shows that are recorded in bulk, then reviewed before a selection is screened that is deemed good entertainment value. The poor devils whose attempts didn't get aired aren't entitled to whatever they won - that's in the contract. I wonder how many nightly viewers know that? Even if they did, they would still tune in because it's what they do at that particular time. Deceptive or not, these programmes seem quite harmless, provided you discount the metabolic production of adrenalin, dopamine and stomach acids; not to mention the chewing of fingernails, rising blood-pressure and a surge of vengeful hatred for the quizmaster when a favourite competitor gets shafted. These very real emotions are experienced simply by watching a choreographed half-hour of Un-Reality TV, and they definitely impact on the way we lead our normal lives.
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