Video Games

There are some differences between what i viewed in class and what I read in my media studies reader on video game.

In class, we watched videos that discussed video games being dangerous and violent things. Their were multiple people arguing about how playing violent video games will cause the children playing them to take a gun to school and shoot down their classmates. However, nearly all of the data discussed in the videos was qualitative and therefore not concrete.

In the Media Studies Reader, the data was much more quantitative. The research was much more scientific. It talked about the different classifications of game and how each one effects the player differently. For example, "Adventure games are characterized by requiring deep thinking and great patience". It also gave examples of work from experts like Marshall McLuhan and Gregory Bateson.

Basically, the Media Studies Reader is much more academic and rational examination of video games.

Works Consulted

- Egenfeldt-Neilson, Simon, Jonas H. Smith, and Susana P. Tosca. "What Is a Game?" A Media Studies Reader. University Readers. 172. Print.

- NBC Archives
- McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2004

Effects of the Media

Media influences every aspect of people’s lives, even when they don’t realize when it does. This is because media effects desires, and desire drives everything. Every choice, from purchases to relationships, can and are affected by the media.

When people feel like they look better, they are more confident. When people feel like they look better, they feel like they can do anything. Some people think that if they just buy this one product they will look younger, be more successful, and essentially be happier. Basically, media and advertisements intend to sell happiness – and people buy into it. However, no amount of stuff will make someone truly happy, and no product will make their lives perfect. Media and culture says people should have perfect lives and to have a perfect life, buy our product.

Music and the Media

This assignment for my class dealt with Music in the Media. The reading was about how music is advertised and spread through radio, television, clubs, and print. Also, the Internet is now a giant source of music. This is because of Pluggers. A plugger basically sells their company's records to radio stations.
My own experience with music in the media is mostly through radio, television, and the Internet. I listen to the radio in my car, television when I am home, and the Internet everywhere in between. However, I am exposed to music through all of the afore mentioned channels. This is how I am persuaded to purchase the music I own.