Media: negatively affecting the psyche of this nation

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What impact is the media having on you? I have randomly surveyed people I have come across on the street and in my neighborhood, asking them, “When you listen to the media – TV, radio and newspapers – what is your usual reaction, positive or negative?” Overwhelmingly, the response comes back: a negative response.

The usual follow-up statements go something like this; “I cannot stand listening to the news anymore. It makes me anxious and depressed!” “I get so angry now when I watch the news on TV!” “I’ve stopped listening and reading the news all together!”

By the way, the last response is probably the best and most healthy response. Many of us are addicted to watching or listening to our favorite stations, Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and others. It really does not make a substantial difference which one we watch. My assumption is that the media is negatively affecting the psyche of this nation

I have been a student and practitioner of mental conditioning for years. Back in the 80s I worked with competitive athletes preparing for the Olympic trials, and I have worked with corporate America on building positive, high-performing cultures. So I have an appreciation of how messaging affects how we think and behave.

The news media’s primary strategy is not reporting on what is happening, as in good journalism that is fact rather than opinion-based. Instead the news media acts as continuous, redundant commentary on events, focusing on what will get the attention of their audience and hook them in an ongoing way much like a soap opera. High ratings based on the number of viewers or readers are their indicators of success. Fear is their strongest message, and the economic, multi-faceted crisis we are experiencing gives the media a full venue to grab and hold our attention. The media is all around us, bombarding us from all sides. Just listen in at the talk around lunch hour at your workplace, at coffee break or the dinner table. These constant messages affect us adversely emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

What can we do about this attack on our psyche? First, begin to be aware of the impact the media is having on you. What habits have you formed like reading the daily paper or watching certain programming? Begin to reflect on your own thinking about your daily affairs and activities – is it basically negative or positive? What are your words like in conversations, positive or negative? What are you doing about evaluating your own situation and circumstances and taking corrective actions if necessary? We need to be in control of our own destiny and take responsibility for making required changes and seeking help if necessary.

Don’t let the media negatively impact your life!

Dr. Bob Ruotolo, Quantum Performance Institute, is a professional speaker, consultant and author in organizational development and talent management.

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