First, we have advertising. Their main objective is to provoke a reaction in their viewers, an impulse like buying a cream or wanting that piece of clothing, and to achieve this they use a series of persuasive techniques. They always try to appeal to emotions. In this way, they make you feel a strong emotion and that although it is not necessary, that need is activated in our brain, since it either likes how it makes them feel, or it pities them, etc.
The important thing is that we are aware of it, that we detect these situations and that we do a work of reflection when we have these impulses.
On the other hand, we can focus on the issue of stereotypes and how only simple images cause a series of thoughts and behaviors in people, especially in young people.
Until recently, brands only worked with the same type of person profile. We did not find ads for a family with two parents, a woman in a mechanic, an important position in a company with dreadlocks, nor catalogs of bikinis tested on all types of bodies.
Many people, especially in the adolescent population, who deviate from the standard measurements, from the appropriate aspect, even from the perfect skin color, feel less than they are, they feel that they are not equally valid due to the fact that they are different from the norm. In the end, not having a role model like you and, for example, never seeing your body in any bikini, makes you think that maybe you really are not fit to wear a bikini and you have to change to fit in. he. When the real question is that the shirt has to fit you, not that you have to fit in the shirt.
Thanks to people who have stood up to defend the most ignored and discriminated groups, this is beginning to change and we are increasingly seeing diversity and inclusion, and more people can feel represented, respected and included in the society of which they are a part. .
This for a long time has caused people to develop mental disorders, among others. Going to the psychologist until a few years ago was a taboo subject and was very frowned upon, which worsened the situation of these people, who unfortunately are becoming more and more, who feel displaced, misunderstood or do not know what is wrong with them.
Luckily, the population has become aware of this great problem and has started to put an end to it. Now mental health is very present among us and we are fighting so that everyone can take care of theirs, regardless of social class or supposed seriousness of the situation.
There are more and more social movements like body positivity. A social movement that focuses on the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, or physical abilities, while challenging today's beauty standards.
Schools now give talks to make students aware of the dangers of the media and how to deal with them. In addition, efforts are being made to give priority to mental health before anything else, giving students tools to get to know each other and form a good personal esteem.
In addition, we can be influenced by the behavior and the way of acting that are shown in movies or television series. And we do not take into account that the series is entertainment, so we should not imitate the behavior of the characters.
Some research suggests that more realistic television programs can increase the normalization of situations such as aggression, desensitization, drugs... Especially in adolescents and children who are not truly aware of reality. Clearly, not everyone will have the same reaction, but it is important to monitor and police the content children consume.
Simply put, the media does affect how we are perceived, and can influence our behavior, appearance, and personality. It can cause self-esteem problems, desensitization, create stereotypes..., since many of them try to influence us. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the influence that the media have on our day to day.
It is important that people are aware of the influence that the media can have on their perceptions of themselves and the world around them, and are willing to question the messages that are presented to them. Media regulators and companies must also be responsible in the way they deliver and market their messages, avoiding the use of deceptive or unethical tactics to persuade people to consume their products.
