Critical Introduction COMM 445

My name is Kylie Jones and my relationship with media has good days and bad days.

Usually, I am consuming media through social networks and television. Whenever I use

social media, I must remind myself that not everything I see has value. This practice

stems from utilizing social media at a young age and being influenced by it. I tend to be

very careful with the type of media I consume and how I let it impact me.

I am interested in forms of media that offer a purpose. This includes recipes,

TedTalks, beauty tutorials, how-to’s, DIYs, and comedy. I often stay away from gossip

pages and blogs when I am using any type of media. For example, I try to stay away from

news sources like CNN and Fox because I find that my local news station is easier to

digest. I do not enjoy being bombarded with bad news and drama whenever I am

consuming media. I like to use my time for things that have a purpose and may actually

help me.

I choose to consume media in a healthy way that does not affect me mentally. As we

all might feel, I want to feel a sense of encouragement and motivation whenever I am

consuming any media. I want to feel good about the things I watch and read. If I watch or

read something that is objectively sad or upsetting, it will alter my mood for who knows

how long. It mentally stops me from behind able to enjoy normal content. For this reason,

I avoid it at all costs. Some may say this is ignorant to just turn away, but it is what helps

me mentally. Media was made to make you feel good, in my personal opinion. When I

am utilizing any type of media, I want to feel better once I am done.

Specific genres and themes that attract me are pop culture, true crime, fictional books,

first-person video games, and beauty/lifestyle content. I find myself consuming these

types of media almost every single day. These types of media have become staples in my

life as I continue to view them into adulthood. The fact that I have continued to support

the same types of media genres infers that I enjoy escaping within media. I like to get lost in the content that I am viewing.

Consuming any kind of media is a simple habit that we have all come to develop.

However, being critical about what media you consume is another thing. While we all

indulge in “mindlessly scrolling” every now and again, we can assume that we are

scrolling to find the piece of media that attracts us. Media is an ever-evolving industry

that is constantly changing and growing. It is also a monster that continues to create new

things every single day.

In today's day in age, media is starting to have a mind of its own with the use of

generative AI and ChatGPT. Utilizing these technologies within media can be

intimidating to some. However, the utilization of these digital weapons can aid in the

critical analysis of media. Regardless, media will continue to have a place in my life

given the impact it has had on me.