Random
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Moral panics over media forms is wild

When the book was invented:

"Reading will promote radical and violent behaviors"

Today:

"If you aren't reading, you aren't intelligent"

When the radio was invented:

"The radio is going to promote misinformation and spread it like wildfire!"

Today:

"OMG!!! TUNE!!!!"

When the tv was invented:

"The tv is going to create mindless husks of people as they sit and watch for hours!"

Today:

"Did you see that new documentary So informative!"

When computers entered the home:

"Computers are going to take our jobs and send our most private information to nefarious people!"

Today:

*reading an online quiz* "What was the name of your first grade teacher? I know that one!"

Every media throughout time has had some sort of moral panic. We fear the unknown before we even experience it and immediately try to get people to shun it without knowing how it works.

Of course, we also have the last one that we know is happening and literally we seem to be okay with it because we still use computers every day.
Top | New | Old
BamPow · 51-55, M
You can even extend this to movies and music. I think the underlying fear is the fear of freedom and discovery by those who want to control people and keep them as mindless drones to return to the fields, mines, and factories. It’s a fear that people will see there’s more out there and no longer be content with being mere drones producing for the hive.
auris · M
Those are all true.
"Reading will promote radical and violent behaviors"
True from the french revolution to the spirit of 1914.
"The radio is going to promote misinformation and spread it like wildfire"
Radio was a extremely powerful propaganda tool like never seen before. There is a reason why both Hitler and the soviets try to put a radio on every home
"The tv is going to create mindless husks of people as they sit and watch for hours!"
Pretty much what has been show in studies. There is a reason why the boomers were the first brainroot generation
"Computers are going to take our jobs and send our most private information to nefarious people!"
Exactly what is happening now.
FoxyQueen · 51-55, F
@auris I'm not saying they don't hold truth. I'm simply saying that the moral panic created was a bit overkill and really didn't create solutions.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
Media simply reflects the tide of popular opinion. But yes, it is strange that there is a natural leaning towards pessimism and imperative to point out all the possible disadvantages before acknowledging any of the benefits . . just like on this forum, for example 🙂
DrWatson · 70-79, M
A philosophy professor once told me that in ancient Greece, writing was at one time looked down upon as a crutch, as students would no longer have to memorize things!
@DrWatson I looked it up; that was Socrates ..... whose words are only remembered because his student Plato wrote them down🤣😂

https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=3439
DrWatson · 70-79, M
@ElwoodBlues

I imagine others said the same thing, but we wouldn't know about that, would we? 😄
This comment is hidden. Show Comment
Nate931 · 31-35, M
Technologies change; human nature never does.
FoxyQueen · 51-55, F
@Nate931 We are just one huge drama queen sociologically.
GeistInTheMachine · 31-35, M
It's all a weapon of control.

 
Post Comment