Anne O'Brien, Colaiste Bride, Clondalkin, Dublin
Does The Media make the news or simply report it? The media has an influence on public opinion, we know that - but to what extent does that affect us? Does it have the power to "make or break people"?
The media plays such a huge role in today's society that it is hard to differentiate between the service and the market. It is an ongoing debate whether the media moulds us or is moulded by us. Maybe the answer lies somewhere in between.
The media will never influence morals or values to any great extent, but in popular subjects such as music, fashion and politics, public opinion is always prone to influence.
Sinead Whelan, St Mary's, Baldoyle, Dublin
According TO the dictionary, the definition of media is the means of communication with large numbers of people, but to me the media is a lot more. The media has a large influence on people's opinion of events and people, as well as on issues such as weight.
Last summer one of the biggest issues in the media was the case of Louise Woodward. Ironically, she was portrayed as an innocent person during the trial, but when the trial was over and she was released she was seen as a "baby murderer set free".
And, in the media, women are constantly judged by their weight. One example would be the bad publicity Baby Spice received about her so-called "chubbiness". Pictures of her in a swimming suit were printed in many newspapers. Not only did they condemn her weight - they also invaded her privacy.
The media is not just a way of communicating facts - it is also a way of swaying people's opinions. Unfortunately, these opinions are not always correct.
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media scope is a weekly media studies page for use in schools. Group rates and a special worksheet service are available: FREEPHONE 1-800-798884 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). media scope is edited by Harry Browne.
