The Power of Media

In today’s digital world, media plays a significant role in shaping your perceptions and attitudes. Whether you’re watching TV shows or scrolling through Instagram, media influences how you view the world. It can even impact your behaviors. To truly understand the influence of media, it’s essential to look beyond the surface and dig deeper into the underlying messages. This involves asking questions like which topics get talked about the most? Do topics get portrayed differently at different times of the year or in different contexts? In what ways are stereotypes or biases present? By thinking about these types of questions, you can learn a lot about what’s important in society, how different groups are treated, and how media influences public views. In short, it is important to approach media critically and not simply accept everything you see or hear at face value.

Student Research

This open-access book is the outcome of an assignment in COMM 3P15: Media Analysis In the Department of Communication, Popular Culture, and Film at Brock University in Niagara, Canada, during the Winter 2025 semester.

First, students selected a particular media topic to focus on. Then, over the winter months, students learned media analysis research methods and how research approaches like content analysis can reveal hidden meanings in media messages. Working in teams, they refined their chosen topic into a specific research question. Through weekly prompts and assignments, they prepared to conduct their own research and write a final report and article.

The students were new to research but they dedicated themselves to the task with enthusiasm and a desire to contribute meaningfully. We invite you to consider this research as a foundation for deeper exploration into how the media influences our understanding.