Kay Jewelers Multimedia Extravaganza

A major cooperation embedded within the multimedia approach is Kay Jewelers. Kay Jewelers is known nationwide for their assortment of fine rings, watches, earrings and other jewelry for both men and women. Its very popular slogan “Every kiss begins with Kay” grabs the attention of men and women who are looking to romanticize their significant other. Whether the occasion is for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Christmas or Valentine’s Day, Kay Jewelers provides that oh-so-perfect gift for that special someone.

 

Kay’s ads appear across a wide variety of media channels ranging from television, to magazines, to newspapers, and even to the internet. The television commercials usually run around upcoming holidays; Christmas being the most popular of all. Likewise, advertisements within newspapers and magazines run around the same popular holidays as well. As for the internet, accessing Kay Jewelers website is always available for viewing. As said on the website, “Since 1916, Kay Jewelers has grown from one store to more than 900 from coast to coast. As the #1 specialty jewelry brand in the United States, we know that offering fine jewelry at a great price is only part of the story. We are fully committed to providing a superior shopping experience – both in our stores and online.”

 

The targeted audience of Kay Jewelers is mainly based off of demographics: age, gender, race, and ethnicity. In respect to age, the patrons within the advertisements are adults, both men and women. All of the ads feature couples (of the opposite sex) sharing their “Every kiss begins with Kay” moment. Most of the ads are of traditional values. The men are giving the gift of diamonds to the women whom they love. As the stereotypical saying goes, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Yet there is a bit of a controversy of the races portrayed in the Kay Jewelers commercials. Practically every customer represented in the Kay Jeweler commercials is white; although, there are very few advertisements of African American people.  By far the white patrons featured in the ads definitely outnumber the African American customers. What about other races and ethnicities? Never has there been any commercial featuring the other members of society besides white and African American. Kay Jewelers seems to have fallen under invisible stereotyping. Entire segments of the population are most definitely ignored including Hispanics, Asians, and even Gay/Lesbian. But there was one commercial that featured a woman with disability, she was deaf.

Key jewelers may seem to hound in on adults but now they have begun reaching out to teens. Kay Jewelers teamed up with Seventeen magazine to draw in young consumers.  The ad read as follows:

 “Even if you’re not the biggest football fan, one of the best things about homecoming is the chance to hang out with all your friends (and cute guys!) and go to the dance later. Why not take this opportunity to show off your style with a new piece of jewelry?”

 “Kay Jewelers has teamed up with Seventeen to bring you a fine-jewelry collection designed just for teens! Their cute conversation heart necklaces, $95 (left), have fun sayings like “Sane” and “Crazy” and “Naughty” and “Nice” on opposite sides, which are totally fun and trendy, but still casual enough to wear to a game. Another awesome piece is the Sterling Silver White Topaz Heart necklace, $155 (right), which is perfect to rock at the dance later. The Seventeen Jewelry Collection is available in stores and online at kay.com/seventeen.”

Realistically, what teen can afford a 95 dollar necklace?! Or even a 155 dollar necklace for that matter? It is absolutely crazy. I guarantee some spoiled girls convinced their parents to buy them the jewelry. Or perhaps a young boy in love convinced his parents to lend him money that way he could afford to guy his girlfriend the piece of jewelry.

Although Kay jewelers may have a few flaws, they do have an effective cooperation. The shop has been flourishing since 1916, which is almost 100 years. That must mean they are doing something right! The advertisements and commercials create a love connection many people admire. In doing so, the public purchases the jewelry in hope to gain that same bond seen in the ads. Kay Jewelers has crafted a perfect scheme, one that is hard to resist. The advertisements indeed reach the designated audience. The irony of the whole idea is that Kay jewelers plays on the act of love. But love is an abstract term. It is a feeling felt between souls, yet Kay jewelers presents love as something with a price tag. As said by Titus Plautus “I would rather be adorned by beauty of character than jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, while character comes from within.”

Reversing The Off-Putting Publicity Of The Heene Family

A major controversial person, actually persons to be exact, is the Heene family. You know them from the infamous “Boy and Balloon a Hoax” that occurred on October 15, 2009. The incident spread like wildfire from TV stations such as CNN and Fox News, in addition to several newspapers including the New York Times. The event hit major headlines and engulfed the media.

It began with a young boy who was reportedly trapped in a homemade space-ship-like balloon as it floated uncontrollably across the skyline of Colorado. Authorities frantically followed the balloon by foot and air in attempt to save the young child. After hours had passed, the balloon finally subsided. But when authorities rushed to the wreckage, low and behold there was no child. After searching the Heene’s home, authorities discovered six-year-old Falcon Heene hidden in a box within the attic. In actuality the whole crisis was indeed a hoax. When the police asked why the boy had been hiding he replied (as reported in CNN news), “we did this for the show.” Parents Richard and Mayumi planned the prank as a hope for fame. Although they received the media attention they desired, the outcome was ugly. In recent news, November 13, 2009 the parents are convicted for jail time. As written on the Fox News Website, “The Colorado father of a 6-year-old dubbed ‘balloon boy’ pleaded guilty Friday to knowingly and falsely influencing a sheriff in what authorities say was an elaborate hoax for publicity. His wife also entered a guilty plea.”

 Time To Turn The Tables

As a public relations professional, I’m creating a public relations campaign to repeal the ghastly exposure. My goal is secure favorable media publicity to exalt the positive wholesome side of the Heene family. I would begin by having the family featured on a major talk show, one with a renowned all American host to carry them along. What show could be more perfect than Oprah? After contacting Oprah’s coordinators, I would convince them of the high public interest the family would bring to the show. I would discuss the family’s notorious hoax; additionally I would inform the managers of how the Heene’s wish to publicly apologize and explain themselves with Oprah along side for support.

Following my conversations to Oprah’s corporation, I would contact a photographer. I would set the family up for a photo shoot in order to reshape their negative image. Within the photo shoot, I would feature the Heene’s posing in several family oriented poses. One would be of the parents embracing each other, representing their remorse on the issue. Another would be of the entire family standing in front of their Colorado home. Last would be of just the boy sitting on a box, as a reenactment of the actual outcome of the event.

After the photo shoot, I would then contact several top selling magazines as well as newspapers such as including People magazine and the New York Times. I would submit the photo’s to them as well as a story titled “The Truth Behind the Balloon Hoax.” This story would be very empathetic discussing the family’s confession as to why they planned the prank as well as a major apology.

Possible Rebound

My plan for campaign could potentially backfire on me. If Oprah’s cooperation denied the Heene family as guests on the show, the entire public apology would be ruined.  I could attempt to feature them on a less renowned show, but the family would not gain as much positive repercussions as they would on the Oprah show.

As for the photo shoot, it could become of waste of my time and money. If none of the magazines nor newspapers I contacted were interested in my story, the photo shoot would be a major loss. Once again, the public apology would be ruined.

 Meeting The Six Commandments

As a public relations professional it is my duty to follow the Public Relations Society of America, also known as PRSA, Code of Ethics. In the case of the Heene family, I do exactly that.

1)      Advocacy – I serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocate in the representation of the Heene family.Throughout the entire case of the Heene family, I am by their side supporting them every step of the way. I provide them with ways to reverse their negative image and serve as a doorway to the media interest.

2)      Honesty – I encourage the family to tell the truth about the incident in addition to apologizing for their hoax. Such an act of integrity will advance the family’s public concern.

3)      Expertise – I utilize my knowledge of the Media industry to benefit the family’s success of acceptance in the public. Through affiliations with multiple media channels, I provide the family with a vast assortment of positive public attention.

4)      Independence- I assure the Heene family that I am indeed responsible if there is a flop in the plan to obtain favorable media publicity.

5)      Loyalty – I stand by the family 110% throughout the entire scheme. I give my all in attempt to reverse their off-putting publicity.

6)      Fairness – I deal with the Heenes reasonably. I accept any input they have on the matter as well as ideas. Additionally I treat employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public with the same fairness.

Making Headlines:Kate Winslet’s Libel Lawsuit

In recent news, the 34-year-old Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet, filed a libel lawsuit against the British newspaper titled Daily Mail.

 

So, What Happened!?

In May of 2009, Winslet composed legal papers in response to a January article in the newspaper titled, “Should Kate Winslet win an Oscar for the world’s most irritating actress?” The piece poked fun at her acting career and revealed a false report claiming that Winslet lies about her exercise routine. In a statement, Winslet said, “I was particularly upset to be accused of lying about my exercise regime and felt that I had a responsibility to request an apology in order to demonstrate my commitment to the views that I have always expressed about body issues, including diet and exercise.” She also added, “I strongly believe that women should be encouraged to accept themselves as they are, so to suggest that I was lying was an unacceptable accusation of hypocrisy.” She frequently states women should be proud to accept how they look. So when the Daily Mail ran the story, which her lawyers claimed was “misleading the public,” she had to act. Then on Tuesday November 03, 2009, the High Court of London awarded the actress 25,000 British pounds (about $40,000 in American currency) in libel damages. Daily Mail accepted the allegation and paid not only her damages but also her legal costs as well. Additionally, Daily Mail agreed to publish an apology. After the incident was said and done, Winslet said, “I am delighted that the Daily Mail has apologized for making false allegations about me.” The following information was aquired from several tabloid sites.

Even though the case was ended, many discussion boards popped up gossiping about the incident. Some of which were very distasteful. On a Blog site titled yeeeah.com, it uttered the following: “You better not ever, ever make fun of Kate Winslet, or she’ll go and sue you for forty grand and somehow win. The technical legal term for said phenomenon is “crybaby puss.” In addition the site posted. “Back in grade school, we had the remedy for this sort of tattletale-type behavior. It was called ‘the purple nurple’ and ‘the swirly.’ Too bad she’s no longer bound by the rules of afternoon recess.” So rude and especially immature! Don’t you think? In response several bloggers commented on the post discounting what was written. One blogger wrote, “You’re making fun of someone for calling out ass***** [curse word] who make nasty rumors up and lie about people (like this website)?” Way to go blogger! Stick up for Winslet!

 My Two Cents

In the case of Kate Winslet, I completely agree with the outcome of the lawsuit. Although freedom of press is a luxury, newspapers can not manipulate the material for print, especially if it is something offensive. If I were Winslet I would have reacted in the same manor. Celebrities truly rely on their fans for success. When negative publicity arises on a celebrity in effect the same off-putting attitude overcomes society. Such a result can be especially detrimental for a celebrity’s future. This is the exact reason Winslet acted quick on the situation. She wanted to keep her wholesome view within the public eye.

The Broken Law

In Kate Winslet’s case, Daily Mail was convicted of libel. As written in the Webster’s Dictionary, libel has three definitions, all of which are quite similar. 1) A statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt. 2) Defamation of a person by written or representational means. 3) The publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious or obscene writing or pictures.

Such a lawsuit can have a major effect on the news media. Once the public discovers the deceptiveness of the Daily Mail, some consumers may disregard the paper all together due to its inaccuracy. This could cause a downfall for the Daily Mail. Following this public judgment, many people may stereotype that all media is unreliable. The outcome is a decrease in consumer interest, creating a harsh industry for the news media. Daily Mail will have to work incredibly hard to gain back the consumers within the outraged public. Only time will tell the future for the Daily Mail…

Walt Disney: The Corporation that Characterizes Childhood

 

When one thinks of Disney, there are a variety of memories that can come to mind. Nights curled up on the couch with mom and dad watching his or her favorite Disney film, or that one Disney toy he or she could not live without, perhaps even a trip to Disney World with his or her family. Either way, whatever the memory may be, almost every individual can think of a time when he or she was immersed within the Disney cooperation.

The main success of Disney is held within the movie production, especially the renowned Disney classics which are still produced and sold today. Each film is compacted with several reoccurring themes, from cliché ideas to controversial cultural matters.

Cliché themes are prevalent in Disney films. One that never ceases is the battle between good and evil. Think about it; was there ever a movie without a villain or an evil character? The film Cinderella for instance, Cinderella was constantly battling her evil stepmother for independence. Even in The Lion king, the same theme occurs. Simba fights his evil uncle Scar to free his pride and to gain back his kingdom. The list of films can go on and on…Whether human characters or animal characters, there is always a fight between good and evil.

Another transpiring cliché theme in Disney movies is the damsel in distress. There is usually a female character in need of rescuing by a male character. In the movie Aladdin, Jasmine becomes confined by the evil Jafar and forced to marry him. Yet, here comes Aladdin to the rescue. He conquers Jafar and saves the day.  The same theme occurs within Snow White and Sleeping Beauty as well as many others.

 Disney Films also follow many controversial cultural themes. The movies lack racial differentiation, and epitomize American values. A common cultural theme within many of the movies is the idea of white supremacy. With an exception to Aladdin, Pocahontas, and Mulan, the rest of the Disney movies star Caucasian characters. Still to come is a movie starring African American characters. Although, in the film Jungle Book, there is an ape with an African American voice, he sings, “I wanna be like you, I wanna walk like you, Talk like you, too…” referring to the boy Mowgli. It seems like another subtle indication as to white supremacy. A black man is admiring and bowing down to a white man.

 

In addition, the films exemplify American values, especially that of appearance. In every movie the female and male characters possess the utmost physical appearance. The females are always depicted as beautiful, feminine, and thin with porcelain skin; while the males are always handsome, masculine, and muscular.

As an adult (well I like to think that I am) I began to recognize these themes, yet as a child I never took notice to them. I would not say I was immersed within these themes, but I will say I was quite immersed in the Disney cooperation. I think I watched a Disney movie almost everyday. A few favorites were: The Lion King, Lady And The Tramp, The Aristocats, Robin Hood, The Fox And The Hound, and Aladdin. Now that I think about it, perhaps my parents purposely bought me these movies so I would not become immersed in many of the controversial films featuring human characters. Growing up I was quite the tom boy, I was never really interested in the princess movies. I owned several stuffed animals that represented my favorite animal stars. When I was in the second grade, my parents even took my family on a trip to Disney world. As a child, I considered that the best day of my life.

Disney movies are absolutely nothing like the “real world”. Every Disney movie has an ending of “happily ever after.” As much as people wish it were true, not all endings in life are happy. When things go wrong, there will not always be that “good guy” to come and save the day. As Walt Disney himself even said, “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.” Life is certainly not a fantasy world, rather an intricate timeline. People can not base their lives on Disney movies and must realize what truly exists in the real world. In the real world, things go wrong and people simply learn to cope with them. Or in the event of a disaster, people come together to help. There is never a solitary individual who can facilitate the catastrophe.

I may have been a Disney movie fan as a child, but Disney did not have a huge impact on my values and beliefs as an adult. The movies were simply entertainment, and an escape to a fantasy world. Even now, Disney movies are among my favorites. To this day I still have the Robin Hood theme song titled Oo-de-lally memorized, and I probably will my entire life.

Disney truly does create a worthwhile environment for children and adults. While watching a Disney movie, parents can reminisce to childhood days, while children can expand their imaginations and enjoy their favorite characters. When I am a mother, I know I will share my favorite Disney films with my child and will continue the cycle of the Disney fantasy world.

 

 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyfYcE8g59Y

Forever Changed My Life…

A Thousand Splendid Suns, written by Khaled Hosseini, is a renowned realistic fiction book. According to Barnesandnoble.com, “A Thousand Splendid Suns has shipped more than three million copies. The bestselling adult novel of 2007, it spent fifteen weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and remained on the list for an impressive forty-nine weeks.” The book truly is a magnificent piece. With its captivating story line and realistic characters, the novel captured the hearts of many readers, including myself. A Thousand Splendid Suns is an eye opening book that significantly changed my perspective on life.

Although I read the book my junior year in high school, I never go a day without the story crossing my mind. A Thousand Splendid Suns came to my attention through a book club assignment I had in my honors English class. My teacher, Mrs. Chandler, gave us a list of five best selling novels to choose from to read. She also included a brief summary of each book. I can not remember what other books we had to choose from, but I do know that after reading the summary of A Thousand Splendid Suns my interest was captured right away. I did not even bother to read the rest of the other summaries. There was just so much about the story line that awakened my senses and I was just yearning to know more.

The summary went somewhat like this, “A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last thirty years – from the soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to post-Taliban rebuilding – that puts the violence, fear, hope and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters [Mariam and Laila] brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives – the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness – are inextricable from the history playing out around them.” No wonder the summary immediately drew me in, right? As soon as I arrived home that day after school, I logged on to the internet and went right to Amazon.com. I searched for the book and bought it without delay. I just could not wait to read more.

I waited impatiently for a few days for the book to be delivered. Once the book arrived, I ran to my room and curled up in my bed with the book clenched between my fingers. I read, and read, and read. Although my teacher only assigned a few chapters a night, I always read ahead, eager to discover what would happen next.

In class we had small groups set up for each book. My group reading A Thousand Splendid Suns was about seven girls. Each day we had several discussions on the book. We discussed how we felt about arranged marriages. The character Mariam, age fifteen, was born an illegal child and was forced to marry a man named Rasheed, whom was an abusive husband. We talked about how we would deal with an abusive relationship. In addition we compared American freedoms to those in Afghanistan. As the story progresses the character Laila was introduced. A rocket destroyed Laila’s home with her parents in it. At that point we discussed what it would be like to lose our parents, as well as to lose everything. As the book advanced, the story line became extremely engaging as the characters faced even more harsh obstacles ahead. The discussions were endless.

The book has made a remarkable impact on my life. I took for granted the freedoms I have as an American citizen. It was not until I read A Thousand Splendid Suns that I realized how lucky I truly am to live in a free country. In the United States of America, women are not forced to marry men whom they do not love. Women can walk the streets as they please, and can have a voice in society. Women can divorce men that are abusive, and can call authorities for help. Unfortunately, that is not that case for the women of Afghanistan. I could never imagine what it would be like being married at the age of fifteen. Never having a childhood, and being forced to have children at such a young age, when even I myself was still a child at heart. Being required to stay in a marriage where I was being physically and verbally abused. And even to never have rights to walk alone down the streets, accompanied by a man at all times as if I was a pet dog on a leash.

The book has influenced what I read today. After reading A Thousand Splendid Suns, I was compelled to read The Kite Runner, which was also written by Khaled Hosseini. Both of his books are absolutely breath taking, and really make one thankful for the life they have. I highly recommend both of the books to any interested readers. They capture your emotions and your heart. I promise you, you will never want to put the book down and it will truly change your outlook on life forever.

Social Network Consuption

Society has an ever growing dependence on digital technology. It is engulfing our society, from cell phones with internet capabilities to computers with high speed internet. The public is subjected to constant internet access, most of the access going to social networking sites. According to Nielsenwire.com, 17 percent of all time spent on the Internet is on social networking sites.

 This phenomenon is impacting the younger generation the most. Increasingly, the most common users of the social networking sites are teens and even children. As reported by technewsworld.com, 48 percent of teens visit social networking Web sites daily. Although the main members of the social networking sites are teens, there are adults that use the sites as well. Given enough access, some adults have been identified as dangerous online predators.

 Shocking: Online Predators within the Social Networking World

 An article posted on Articlesbase.com, titled Protecting Your Child from Internet Predators, discusses internet predators within social networking sites as well as ways to protect children from predators. Two common social networking sites teens are using are: Facebook and MySpace, which is where many predators are lurking. The article points out the disturbing motive behind internet predators.

 The predator begins befriending the young individual through the social networking site. They chat about hobbies as well as other interests for days, even weeks at a time. Eventually, after the predator has bonded with the child, the predator initiates sexual content into the conversation. From that point on the predator consistently discusses inappropriate topics with the child, making the subject of sex seem “okay”. Yet there are predators that skip the bonding stage, and immediately engage in sexual conversations with the children.

 The problem with these social networking sites is that the teens using them are very naive. Parents should watch their children to ensure that they do not put themselves at risk. Articlesbase.com reveals four warning signs to look for:

• The child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.

• The child receives or makes phone calls from unknown adults, sometimes long distance, to unrecognizable numbers.

•The child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when a parent comes into the room.

•The child is using an on-line account belonging to someone else.

 Articlesbase.com also discusses how to protect a child from an online predator. Parents should “Communicate openly and honestly with your child about your concerns. Explain to them the dangers of communicating with offenders…” Parents should monitor their child’s internet use, paying close attention to how many hours are spent online as well as what websites their child is visiting.

Absolute Disgust

 After reading Protecting Your Child from Internet Predator, I was utterly disgusted. The thought of an online predator sickens me. I can not fathom the idea of a grown adult sexually exploiting themselves to a child over the Internet. They truly do have corrupted minds and need psychiatric care. I did think the warning signs were very appropriate for parents to use as guidelines. I know when I am a mother I will take great concern in my child’s online usage. I would never want my child exposed to sexual content by an absolute stranger, or even put in danger as well.

 More Thoughts on Social Networking

Sites like Facebook and MySpace are effecting our generation drastically. As said before, 48 percent of teens use social networking sites daily. I feel as if the communication style of our generation is becoming “text talk.” Many people tend to use shortened words and lack sentence structure. Not only that, but I think digital communication is over coming our generation. From experience, I’ve seen friends texting back and forth to one another while in the same room, rather than talking to one another; crazy right? Personally I think there is nothing better than true verbal communication. Verbal communication allows individuals to share facial expressions, vocal variation and even hand gestures. Verbal communication seems much more personalized and genuine rather than a text message or a message sent through a social network. If I had to choose between social networking or chatting over coffee, a true face-to-face conversation would prevail.

 

2035… Advancent or Disaster?

The Quintessential Technological Dream World

Imagine, an ePhone containing all media capabilities, billboard televisions, and even complete universal communication. Sounds crazy right? Think again. In the year 2035 all of these utopian technologies will be a reality.

EPhones (everything phones) are now the leading media source, with many applications, including:  Internet, GPS, global communication, video communication, games, voice activation, radio connection, television shows, as well as movies. With the extinction of newspapers, and computers on the endangered list, the ePhone is a necessity in society; containing absolutely everything an individual needs. Why should people waste money on a computer when they can have the internet in the palm of their hand? Chatting on the ePhone is so advanced; it’s as if one was talking with an individual face to face. The camera on the phone allows one to see the face of which they are speaking with, giving people the ability to talk instantaneously to each other. Game systems such as Playstation and Xbox are coming to an end; the ePhone allows one to play endless games. With internet access, one will be able to battle other players globally. No need for buttons on the ePhone, everything is voice activated. Hands are free at all times!

Advertising has become completely digitally incorporated. Billboard televisions are extremely popular. While people are waiting in traffic jams they can watch multiple commercials. No more trying to read the print of the big board.

With complete universal communication, the digital divide has finally been broken. Since technology has been changing so fast, all the old cell phones and computers from years past have been donated to underdeveloped countries. All nations have come together enabling access to everyone.

With the advancements in technology, the fields of mass communication surround society. Film, radio, and television are all accessible in the palm of ones hand through the ePhone. No more paying for movies or cable channels. Advertising as well has become exclusively digital. Commercials are now interesting to the public. Even illiterates can be informed of different products though commercials versus reading advertisements. As Louis Armstrong would say, “What a wonderful world.” What more could the public want?

Future Mom in 2035

In the year 2035, I am 54 years young and happily married with three children. All of my children use the advanced technologies that I refuse to conform to. I always tell them, “you’ll rot your brains out,” but of course they just rolls their eyes at me. What do I know about the cool technological trends of today anyway? Shockingly, I do own the ePhone, yet I am unfamiliar with almost all of the applications. My children constantly poke fun at me for still using a laptop computer, what can I say I am a creature of habit! I don’t like to change much. I do love the global communication. My husband constantly travels for business around the world and we’re always able to see one another through the video chat. It is hard to imagine with life will be like in another 25 years.

 Technology Tragedy: World Hits Rock Bottom

With numerous technological advances, the world should seem perfect in the year 2035 right? Wrong! The world has become mute. Obesity has hit an ultimate high, and hackers are terrorizing the means of communication.

Social networking has taken over society. The 3D virtual world game, Second Life has over come the public. People no longer go to work, and rarely leave the house for that matter. Second Life consists of all one could ever want. In return, people throughout the world have become obese, just living their lives though a virtual world. They no longer care as to what they look like, or their own personal being. They are consumed by their virtual character and are at loss for contact with the “real world”.

Since digital communication is the leading form of conversation, people have become mute. They have forgotten how to speak since all they do is type, type, type. Society is at a loss as to word pronunciation and vocalization. All communication is digitally written and sent from one person to the next. 

The dreaded day hits society, a hacker breaks into the digital system. The binary code is erased and Internet completely shuts down. Has the world come to an end? Only time will tell…

Media: Can’t live with it, Can’t live without it.

Oh the joys of mass media! We live it and breathe it – it surrounds us everywhere we go. From passing billboards driving down the road, to newspapers strewn on the sidewalks, and even in the comfort of one’s own home – television, internet, radio and books; media engulfs our society. I never realized the extent of the phenomenon until I took mass media into deep consideration.

*A Day in the Life of Media

Living in a university campus greatly exposes an individual to endless amounts of mass media. Take it from me; for two consecutive days I kept an hour-by-hour journal of the media I encountered. At times I had trouble recording every little media I stumbled upon. My day began like any other typical college students: I woke up, I took a shower, and of course… I had to sign online! I don’t want to forego an oh-so-important message on Facebook, or God forbid I neglect an e-mail on Yahoo!

Before I knew it, I had passed an hour on the internet. I grabbed my bag and ran out the door for class. As I waited for the elevator I noticed more media; Posters about the upcoming football game, “Go Tigers!” Down the floors I went, and you guess it, more media! On the floor of the elevator was a flyer inviting students for free ice cream in the union. Now that was media I’m definitely glad I crossed.

Walking to class I was bombarded with more media: Newspapers, event posters, and even signs written on the sidewalk in chalk. The media continued even once I was in class; all courses required text book use. Finally, after four hours of classes I headed back to my dorm. As usual I went right to the computer. I just had to check my latest updates: Facebook, Yahoo, University Webmail, and Ning. Meanwhile I turned on the radio for some music.

After spending every bit of two hours online, I buckled down for some homework. Back to the text book media, my least favorite. Three hours go by completing homework and studying. I had to take a break. On went the television. I dozed into nap mode, and woke back up ready to give my school work another try. Hours go by in-between my studies and internet use. Finally it was time for bed. I couldn’t imagine what media was in store for me the next day.

*Time for the “So What” Factor!

 After gaining so much from only one day of media use, you can imagine what the following day offered. Within a 48 hour period, I had spent approximately 40 percent of my time on the internet. However, 30 percent of my time was spent studying with books. There is definitely something wrong with that picture. Most of my media use was with the radio, a whopping 52 percent. I always use the radio as background sound whether I’m on the internet or studying. The television was not a big issue for my media use; it only took up 5 percent. On average I only spent about 1 percent of my time on newspapers, flyers, and signs.

Following my evaluations, I couldn’t believe how much of my day was spent with mass media use! I could only imagine what it would be like for those who live in an urban area. Take New York City for instance, a huge mass media area. Just walking through Times Square would expose someone to nearly every form of media.

*And now for the Grand Finale

 Two whole days without media use proved to be incredibly difficult. Waking up and not checking my usual websites was extremely excruciating. I felt so disconnected from my friends and family. Many of my closest friends go to universities out of state, so the easiest way to keep in touch is through internet use.

Without the internet occupying my time, I somewhat felt at loss for what to do? I refused to give into my voluntary media needs, so I decided to go for a run around campus. During my run I experienced a lot of involuntary exposure to media. I ran past several posters and signs about campus activities but I tried not to look. Afterward, I headed back to my dorm. When I entered my roommate had the television on with the Ravens game playing (my favorite team), in addition to browsing away at the web. I glared at her with envy and decided to just sleep the day away. It seemed to be my only option to avoid media!

All in all my two days spent without media was for the most part a success! I will say it was extremely boring, or so it seemed. Time seemed like it was slowing down. I didn’t experience any “withdrawal” symptoms, but I did feel very detached. Without the media I did have a lot of time to reflect on myself. In a way it seems pathetic as to how much media occupies my time. I never realized how large of a role media has in society, but it truly surrounds our existence. It seems no matter where I am I’m always being exposed to media, whether in my room or out and about.

*Media: Asset or Misfortune

There are both advantages and disadvantages to avoiding media. One main advantage is time to relax. I realized many nights I would stay up late messaging back and forth to friends, all for what? I suppose simply for entertainment. There were times that I would even get behind on homework because I was too occupied with blogging. Without media I was able to break my habit of excessive internet use.

Another advantage is being able to admire the natural world around us. Sometimes I feel as if society is so worried about keeping up with media that they forget about the things that truly matter. Trees for instance, one day just stop and look at a tree. They are remarkable creations and provide us with our necessity to live; oxygen. Even to just listen to the sound of birds chirping – rather than the sound of a cell phone ringing, is enchanting.

One main disadvantage of avoiding media is the lack of information. People would be at loss for news. If there were an emergency of some sort, a tornado for example, there would be no way for citizens to be informed of precautions without access to media. Another form of information that would be lost without media is text books.  Schools would vanish without them, and the means of education would depreciate.

Thus, the public relationship with media is truly is a love hate type. You can’t live with it, and you can’t live without it!

 FYI: I created both of the subtitle graphics 🙂 The media one & the love/hate one

Here are some interesting video’s on internet addiction:

Deep in thought… Media history.

After viewing “Media History”, it really made me reflect on how much mass communication is part of human life. It is fascinating to see how attracted society is to means of communication, whether it is verbal, written, or electronically sent. With the publics need and attraction to mass communication, I think that is what caused the means of communication to advance so radically over time.

The video really put into perspective a timeline of mass media. It began with oral communication which seemed very subjective. The only people that provided the information were oracles and priests. I feel as if many of the stories that the oracles and priests told to the public could have been their opinion on a topic, or their version of an incident, rather than the truth. The mass media at the time was probably very biased.

When written communication evolved there was still the same issue with the reliability of the material. Whoever was writing stories was tweaking the information here and there. It was not until the invention of the printing press that information became steadfast.

 The printing press is the creation that I deeply admire in media’s history. It was the first amplification of a message that was large enough for all of the public to obtain and all stories were identical. I was particularly surprised when the video revealed that newspapers were originally used for business related information, such as cargo arrivals and boat departures. Today it seems the newspaper has little business material and is filled with topics such as government, entertainment, and sports.

As the film continued discussing wired communication and visual communication I could not help but think how spoiled our society has become. The fact that today we can send communication instantaneously is incredible. Years ago people has to wait months or more to receive messages from horse travel. Now society can send not just one message, but multiple messages in seconds.

Although the video may have been “out-of-date”, I do think it was very insightful. I believe all students should view the movie and really consider mass communication in today’s world. Some may be shocked at how advanced mass media has become. I can only imagine what the future will hold!