The Role of Media in Our Lives

Media is a critical part of our culture in the 21st century. While the most prevalent forms of media have changed drastically over the past two decades, it has always been a part of day-to-day life. Nowadays, social media is one of the most influential platforms where people get their information, communicate with fellow users, and engage with new ideas.

In the past, however, primary sources were media outlets such as television, magazines, or the internet. Media (and how we interact with it) is changing rapidly every year. By the time the next generation is in college, the primary media form will likely be unfamiliar compared to past and present sources.

Because media plays such a significant role in our lives, I believe we must include many different sources within our research, entertainment, and even scrolling; everyone has an agenda, after all. So including a variety of voices on your feed - large and small creators, arguments on multiple sides of an issue, a diverse mosaic of experiences and worldviews - is crucial. If we limit ourselves to only a couple of perspectives, how are we to see the bigger picture and make up our own minds?

With my area of study being content creation, I find it particularly helpful to use various forms of media to communicate my views (as well as take in others'). Whether that be through videography and cinematics, graphic design and traditional art, or various types of writing: communication plays a large part in every form of media I produce.

This can look like anything from having discussions with other creators, to clearly conveying what my beliefs are, to brainstorming ideas for a project. Communication proves valuable not only in my line of work but in every other facet of media - past and present.

Keep Seeking,

Delaney F.