It can be agreed upon that the mass media is a major source of information in today’s society. You named it; from the old-fashioned way -the newspaper to the broad networking of the internet. Mass media of today has definitely gone through vast improvement due to technological advancement. We are now equipped with the electronic or broadcasting media and printing media. The media’s primary function is still the same; to provide information. Only today, the modern media’s function has deviated a little from the past. Today, the modern media gives the information as well as provides entertainment as its secondary functions that the media fully exploits its influences.

One can hardly deny the powerful and obvious influence of the media; especially when modern society thrives on information and entertainment. One can also hardly deny the fact that people of today rely on the media for progress. The printing media such as newspaper can provide a colossal amount of information needed for progress, for example; in the business field or technological arena. While the broadcasting media such as the television and radio not far behind the printing press in the race.

How do the media exploit its influences? Why does it so? What are the factors that bring to the unwanted exploitations? Are there any guaranteed measures that can be taken to prevent this malice? These are among the common questions we have in mind.

The media serves what the society takes delight in; although it might not be ethical to do so. As an example, the society likes a hot scandal, so the media will uncover one. And if none can be unearthed, they simply create one, in order to make profit. The society likes gore and violence, so the television would just cash in on this society’s vulnerability, glorifying elements of violence and gore, without realizing its effect on children, or on youths. This has caused the rate of juvenile delinquencies to escalate. In the United States alone, almost 70% of its crime is committed by persons between the ages of 11 to 19 to be recorded at an alarming number.

In this age of materialism, much emphasis is placed upon success and material wealth. And, since the media covers a large field, competition, the media resorts to relying on its unorthodox and sometimes unscrupulous ways to stay ahead of the others. Also, in this age where only the shrewdest will survive, the media cannot afford to play straight; otherwise it will emerge last in the race. It is because of the unethical and fraudulent ways the media uses to stay ahead of competition that is causing much injury to certain grieving parties. The media cashes in on others’ woes, personal injuries and such so that the public would respond and profits can be gained. A very good example would be the British monarchy, which is constantly in the line of the media’s fire. The media focuses on members of the British monarchy and cashes in on the scandals. This practice has caused the particular member to retaliate by pressing charges in court. This goes to show how the media can be ruthless, often not considering the propriety of the situation and selfish to make gains out of the other’s pains.

The consequences that the society has to bear with are tremendous. One can imagine, with the media’s strong influence, how hazardous it would be towards society, if the media exploits and abuses its authority. We will never know if the article about the three headed alien in the papers is true, although we might be convinced to think so because of the alleged prove and excellent writing skills of the author.

Media’s exploitation has gone to the extent that now even the noble purpose of the media has deviated. This statement might not be justice by all media, but just to a certain degree, there could be a trace of truth. Before the primary function of the media is crippled altogether, drastic measures should be taken to combat this social disease.

Many parties, governments, private or individuals, have taken action to control this exploitation through the judicial system. However, it is highly improbable for one to eliminate this malice, for it would only hamper its activities for a while. The media needs to realize that they too have many boundaries. If these boundaries cannot be implemented upon themselves by themselves, then the need to force these boundaries upon them by an outside party is heightened. This can be done through government’s laws or acts. The existence of control can avoid excessive abuse by the media. Once the media’s influences are confined to solely reporting the truth, then the negative effects would greatly lessen.

The importance of the media in the modern society is of such magnitude that its absence would create a vacuum that is impossible to replace, especially when progression and advancement are the main objectives of all. Even if we acknowledge the importance of the media, it is also crucial to recognize the ethics involved. Ethics and media should exist in equilibrium so that the maximum advantage would benefit all, socially, emotionally, physically and mentally. A very beneficial circumstance indeed.