How to Prevent Modern Media from Desensitizing You?
Many people watch television, read newspapers and other media oblivious to the potential harm they cause to our sensitivities. Yet we live in times where people are becoming more and more selfish; and sadly less concerned with the wellbeing of their neighbours.
Desensitization is defined in psychology as a weakened emotional responsiveness to an adverse or negative stimulus after frequent repetitive exposure to it. This process gradually reduces our emotional reaction towards particular stimuli, such as crisis and violence. This in turn lessens our capacity to show care to other individuals, or to show empathy to our peer’s personal concerns. Ultimately, this may actually increase the incidents of violence and crimes.
Human beings are different from other creatures, as we possess emotion and empathy. We are able to love, show affection, feel empathy and recognize on a moral level the difference between good and bad. Without this sensitivity, the world would be quite a different place – a wild, uncontrolled and disorganized forest with selfish beings not only fighting for their own survival but also for territory. Alternatively, we could have a robotic world, which was governed by numb people. Ultimately, desensitization could render the modern world into chaos.
There is one factor that has significant effect on our desensitization on a large percentage of human beings, and this is media. It is now even more important that modern media is responsible in the manner and form that information is transmitted. Movies, advertisements, programmes, reality television, video games and radio all play a part in this. Many people are susceptible to such forms of media, even in relatively small volumes. It is therefore important to monitor elements like:
- Sexual indulgence;
- Irreverence;
- Violence;
- Shamelessness;
- Deviant behaviours;
- Language;
- Crime.
It is clear that merging of telephone, television, and Internet technologies introduces the era of 'amateurish' exhibition, which holds a promise of an unimaginably cruder media experience in the upcoming years. People now participate in “idle” activities rather than prime “active” ones.
Modern media and technology is clearly here to stay and part of our everyday life. However, we do have a choice as to how much we participate in this new era of media indulgence.
Most parents realize that it is important to monitor and guide children as to their consumption of modern media, in playing games, watching television and browsing the Internet. It is now more than ever important, that parents act as strong role models to their children, to ensure a balanced young person who displays a normal range of emotions. Children need to be encouraged to participate in outdoor pursuits and creative adventures to enhance their minds.
There are many activities suitable for children and adults alike to lessen the effects of desensitization, namely reading, drawing, painting, sports and experiences. Most activities that boost and inspire your creative side; will essentially reduce desensitization and increase emotional awareness. Creativity and artistic pursuits are closely linked to emotion, so provide the medicine required to quell insensitivity.
It is essential to control the use of media, and never allow media to control you. You can truly impact and make a difference to the negative effects of media in today’s modern world of increasing violence and crimes. Be an inspiration to other people through showing the reality of living, the beauty and happiness of living outside the realm of a digital world. Clearly, you cannot escape the new digital era completely. However you can limit your exposure, and balance the potential negative effects with increased creative, real-life, personal and outdoor exploits. This new world that you create will be free from constant noise, violence, and chaotic living. You will feel contentment in yourself, which is in fact very fulfilling. Now, tell me if that does not sound a pleasant prospect!
For more inspiration, art or poetry:
Please visit www.inspiredbyelle.com