Media Literacy: The impact on children today

In a media ethics course, the final project was to develop and produce a public service announcement about the impact the media has had on our everyday lives. My group decided to concentrate on media impact on children and the disconnect it has caused on the normal and traditional family dynamic.

 

The subjects for our 30 second video were our children. My daughter of two years and another student’s daughter who is five. The message being channeled here is that too much iPad use and television impairs learning in children and cause long term learning delays. The implications are serious and tangible. The feeling of guilt drowned my body as my daughter knew exactly what to do when handed an iPad to set up the shot for the next scene. We have become accustomed to this new way of entertainment that it is now the norm. It is even “cute” at times when your little one knows to navigate an iPhone, unlock it and browse through pictures and play videos. But it really isn't cute, but dangerous.

 

As a single mom I find myself often resorting to distracting media tactics to find time to make dinner, do laundry, shower and finish homework.  Though many of us find excuses and many others try harder to break out of the habit, our digital world makes it extremely difficult to disconnect. Let alone disconnect our kids.

 

As a result we become an easy target for product placement. Being an avid shopper on Amazon and a proud prime member, I am always suggested products based on my shopping tendencies. Seems like such a convenient service but it's more like big brother. Creepy to think someone is watching me, knows what coffee I drink, the density of my pillow and if I prefer soap bars or liquid body wash. But the systems engineers and marketers are so talented that we have been programmed to appreciate this invasive creepiness.

 

If we fall into this digital dream world fantasy we are in grave danger. Social skills are already at a risk of extinction. People don't know how to interact in person anymore. The average person has 500 friends on Facebook but 5 in reality. Out of the 5 only 2 are probably visited in person.  

 

The refugee crisis is a good example. Even though social media was a useful took in raising awareness it also hindered the real effort needed. We need more people to get on their real feet, feel the stable ground they are blessed with, talk to their neighbor and create a proper buzz.  Not a digital one.  Many think they do their part by simply clicking the share button on their Facebook page. More of us should call to get information on how to volunteer, raise awareness, gather clothing and directly impact someone's life.

 

We need more human interaction, to talk, touch and feel emotions, suffering and joy. The day we are programmed to read our clothing for digital information will be the day we stop caring.