The Media Decides

No matter which news station you watch nowadays, whether it is CNN, FOX, or E!, most of the channels are broadcasting the same "news." We have grown to idolize celebrities and become obsessed with their personal lives because the media tells us that's what is important. You used to have to watch E! News to get gossip on celebrities, now there are other celebrity news shows such as TMZ and Extra, but it does not stop there. If you watch "legit" news stations such as FOX or CNN, I'm sure you've seen them plastered with Lindsey Lohan, Britney Spears, Tiger Woods, and Charlie Sheen. Our obsession stems from the media telling us that what Tiger Woods is doing in his personal is far more important than politics, world wars, or social issues and movements. I remember one time in my Communications Foundations class, my professor asked the class how many people heard about another earthquake in Japan, only 2 people. He asked what was going on with Charlie Sheen, why he was all over the news, and the entire class could answer. Anothe issue, positive newsworthy stories of accomplishment and success are scarce while violence, corruption, and celebrities flood the news stations. It is  important that we take everything we hear with a grain of salt. We must face it, the media is trying to make a buck and sometimes will turn things around, manipulate, and lie to do so.

Kinect

Usually new technological advances are bashed in the media because of the negative effect it can have on an individual when used improperly, such as cell phones while driving or little kids not being interactive because of video games. However, video games have come a long way. After the numbers of childhood obesity increased in recent years, software companies decided to come up with interactive games for children. Just this past weekend, I had the chance to play XBOX Kinect which is a number of games that are controller-free and allows you to use your entire body to interact with the console. Not only that but some games provide an instructor to lead you through exercises. The best part about it is you don't have to leave your house and go to the gym to get exercise, instead you can do it right in your living room. Whether you're into sports, dancing, or adventure, there is a game for all different types of interests and activities.

Reality Television

I know most of you reading this probably have your own favorite reality television show(s) and I am guilty of it as well. Reality shows are becoming the new face of television. I remember when the "Real World" and "Survivor," were basically the only reality shows available. Do you remember the days when MTV was actually "MUSIC Television?!" When I turn on that channel now, I am either watching 16 and Pregnant or Teen Mom. (what is up with these teen mom shows anyway? i'll save that for another post) It used to be a channel of music videos and performances but now it's made up of strictly reality shows.

The issue with reality shows is they are simply false advertisement. This is most dangerous for young children or teens watching these shows because they develop a skewed vision of how the world is. They are not "real-life" situations. In fact, most reality television is aiming the camera towards celebrities or people with a lot of money on shows such as Keeping up with the Kardashians, Mobwives, Basketball wives, and Kendra. The majority of the viewers watching these shows cannot compete or even relate to the people on these shows, we tend to idolize these people simply because of what they have. And that's where the evolution of reality television comes into play. When the concept first started, reality television seemed more "real," than it does now. It is almost impossible to think it is not scripted. Some reality stars admit they only joined the show to break into the acting business. It is crazy to think we spend so much of our time watching other people's lives and being so caught up in it that we forget about our own goals and interests.