Surrounded!

Written Wednesday, November 20th 2007

Reflecting on what we have learned in Mass Communications, I gain the impression that it is almost impossible to escape any form of media.

For this reflection piece, I have chosen to reflect specifically on how much I come in contact with the media through various mediums in an entire day. It begins;

I wake to an alarm from my cellphone (1). I then proceed to turn on my computer (2), and head to the washroom, where in the hallways I see various ads and flyers for school events (3). Before I leave for class, I check the weather on the Internet and my email (4). At school students wear various brand names and logos (5), while again more advertisements fill the hallways (6). I am consistently checking the clock on my cellphone to make sure I am on time (7). In class and between classes I visit various websites on my laptop including Facebook, Hotmail, the Globe and Mail and other sites that catch my attention (8). People in class listen to Ipods (9), and discuss last night’s television programs (10). During break I usually head to William’s Coffee Pub to get a bite to eat. There, I view images of my choices and decide what looks best (11). On my way back to residence, I pick up the Toronto Star from the front and continue upstairs (12). I usually work on my computer for a few hours, encountering various ads, logos, brands, news stories and websites (13). On Tuesday nights I watch House on television (14), here I am again subjected to various commercials and advertisements (15). Lastly, I work on my computer a little before bed (16). Throughout the day I have also been text messaging various individuals, a bad habit I have developed. A typical day of text messaging involves at least 10 text messages (17-27).

From this description of a fairly typical day, I involve myself with various forms of media approximately 27 times a day and this is only done within residence, the parking lot and GuelphHumber! Moreover, that number is generalizing advertisements and commericals. If I were to specifically name the various brands I witness I am sure it would be much more. I did not include the cars in the parking lot, which could be considered advertisements also.

I was unable to find and exact number, but the number of advertisements witnessed in a lifetime would be enormous. I think that children in the western culture would be subjected to more commercials and advertisements then other areas of the world. A day without them would be considered odd. Perhaps people would not be as decisive, without advertisements telling them what is best. It is a weird thought to consider.

Toodles for now.