The Impact of Mass Media on Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health

Abstract

People in India are using new media technology (such as “smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops for Internet access”), with increasing frequency to “text message, e-mail, blog, as well as access social networking websites (such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram,” etc.), for business, entertainment, and to stay in touch with family and friends. They are concurrently learning about local, national, and international events via conventional mass media sources (like “television, newspaper, magazines, books, movies, radio”). The mass media sets the norms for our way of life, our relationships, our family, and our society, which significantly affects what we expect from our families, our parents, and our children. To put it another way, our views of reality are shaped by our own experiences, which are influenced by the experiences of our primary groups—our families and close friends—secondary groups—our schools, religious organizations, governments, and the media. The primary group’s influence is waning, and the secondary group’s influence is only ephemeral. Still, the mass media’s influence is increasing since it is a constant and all-pervasive part of our daily lives.

The mass media’s influence on public opinion increases as the number and strength of other sources of influence decrease. There is no longer any thinking as to whether or not the media influences how the general public thinks, behaves, and feels. The consequences might also be advantageous to society or even disastrous. The mass media serve as socializing agents, which aid in developing and maintaining learned views and behaviors. In addition to reflecting the public’s views and values, the mass media, which is a primary source of information, also contributes to the role of these attitudes and values. Because news and entertainment programs are transmitted, certain unexpected effects of mass media exist. However, the media also consciously participate in this purpose in purpose to generate revenue (through commercials), advance social justice (via sponsored programs), or further political objectives (biassed or “paid” news). Because of the media’s efforts, myths and urban tales like leprosy, HIV/AIDS, and homosexuality have been debunked. Psychiatric health disorders it is expected to have the same effect.