The Media: Does The Media Distract People?

When it comes to understanding what is taking place in the area where one lives and the world at large, it is clear that some kind of assistance is required. This is something that usually takes place through the media. Here, one is informed about national and international events and occurrences.

So no matter where one is or what one is doing, they can be kept up to date on what is going on. The coverage can range from what could be classed as somewhat important to extremely important. This means that one will typically become exposed to all kinds of news stories and won’t be limited to just one area or topic.

And this can only be a good thing; especially as there is so much taking place in the world. From the most horrific situations that can make people question humanity, to situations that show how magnificent they can be.

It is then natural that one’s attention is going to be drawn towards what is taking place. Perhaps this is also due to one being personally affected by what is taking place or maybe they feel drawn to what is being covered and what to help in some way. There are clearly numerous reasons as to why one can feel drawn in by what the media is covering.

In Recent Years

However, what is classed as news has gradually changed in recent years. No longer is this something that is limited to violence, natural disasters, sports or the economy for instance, it has gone onto include others things.

And a big part of this news is what ‘celebrities’ are or are not doing. These are people that are famous for achieving something and also famous for achieving very little. Their personal lives and the highs and lows that they experience are given constant exposure.

So even though the other kinds of events that have been covered for years are still very much a part of the mainstream Medias coverage, this has been supplemented by what could be called trivial occurrences. And in some cases, these types of stories have completely taken over.

Mainly as a result of them being extremely popular amongst people and as interest is gained, money is made. This means that it is unlikely to stop any time soon.

Two Types of News

The first type of news, depending what the source is, can keep one up to date on what is taking place in the world. And while ones attention is taken for a certain period of time each day, if is being used in a way that can be educational and mind expanding. Once it is over, one can go about their normal day to day business. The news is an addition to the life they have, but in most cases it doesn’t totally consume their life.

When it comes to the other type of news however, in most cases one is not being educated and neither is their mind expanding. It is also not necessarily something that one engages in now and then; it can become an obsession and even an escape. So it is not an addition to one’s life, it can becomes one’s life. How one sees themselves and their identity can then be caught up in this type of news. This is not to say that the mainstream news is always beneficial either.

One Perspective

It could be said that when the media gives attention to what celebrities are or are not doing for instance, that they are simply distracting people from what really matters in the world and in their personal lives. And even though it is popular and leads to money being made, they have a moral standing to uphold; as a result of being in the position they are in and the influence they have over so many people. They have a massive responsibility and one that shouldn’t be abused by filling people minds with insignificant events.

The above is one point of view, but there is also another way of looking at this. As I said above, it is popular and makes money so they are ultimately giving some people what they want. And that these people are happy to be distracted or should I say want to be distracted.

So the media is then not providing anything that is not already being asked for. For if one is already in an escape the media has to do very little. This person doesn’t need to be enticed; they will do it of their own accord.

Escapism

The media is providing a way for people to avoid their own lives. And while on the odd occasion this is unlikely to lead to dysfunctional consequences, in the long run it can. But in the modern day world, the need to avoid oneself and get lost in others peoples dramas and the world’s dramas has generally become the norm.

And the media is just one example of an escape. One can also engage in: alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, eating, gambling and many others. While there are many distractions provided, what is rarely looked at is what is going on at a deeper level.

Emotional Pain

So these escapes enable one to regulate the emotional pain that they are experiencing. And as emotions are often rejected and not dealt with in today’s world; it is not much of a surprise that they have built up.

In the short term these distractions will allow one to avoid their inner pain. However, in the long run it can only lead to one being estranged from themselves and having no self control. But, if one is experiencing emotional pain and hasn’t found a functional way to deal with it; this may be a price worth paying.

Conclusion

As one has no inner control, it is then natural that one will end up being controlled by external sources. And that the external influences will only get stronger if one is giving their power away.

In an ideal world, emotional intelligence would be seen as important as learning to read or write. If this was the case, so much of what defines today’s world would no longer exist and that is simply because people wouldn’t be running away from themselves. Inner peace would be a real experience, as opposed to what is often nothing more than a good idea.

Awareness

So while the media will always be there in some shape or form and emotional intelligence is not suddenly going to be seen as essential, what one can do is become emotionally aware themselves. This process can be supported with the assistance of a therapist, healer or a coach for example.

And some kind of self inquiry can also be a way of gaining a better understanding of one’s emotions. The kind of assistance one will need can depend on how much of a challenge they are.