What are the Effects of the Media on Our National Culture?

Turkey is one of the most important countries at the center of the political, cultural and socio-economic conflicts of interest of world power centers due to its historical background and geopolitical position. This has always been the case until today, and it seems that it will continue to be so in the future. In this respect, Turkey has been, is and will continue to be exposed to internal and external threats. 

It should be known that three factors are important for our country, which is located at such an important point, to be politically and economically strong! These are political, economic and cultural factors. If one of these factors is missing, it contains elements that may constitute an obstacle to the unitary integrity and stable development of our country. 

Cultural integrity is one of the prerequisites for the establishment of political and economic integrity. Attacks on cultural values through the media are seen in almost every country. Communication has always been very important for cultures in every era. The means of communication and transportation are like the blood vessels of societies. The biggest changes in our age are especially in the field of communication! Developments in technology first and foremost manifest themselves in the field of communication and make their presence felt in society. 

The media plays an important role in conveying culture to individuals at national and international level. On the other hand, the media (print media, radio, television, internet, etc.) is an important source that individuals frequently use to fulfill various social needs, especially in social life. While individuals use this resource for information, entertainment and news, the media fulfills its responsibilities towards society and therefore individuals by fulfilling functions such as informing, educating, entertaining and socializing in an accurate and impartial manner. 

What I would like to briefly mention here is how the media does this and how it affects the dynamics of society. Unfortunately, my opinion is not positive but negative! I believe that if I explain this with examples, I will give you better information. 

Why do people watch, listen and read the media? They want to receive accurate and unbiased news and to know what is really happening in the country. I know that you, as a simple and impartial citizen like me, say "Yes" to my expectation from the media in this direction. Isn't that how it should be in reality? But it is not! For the simplest example, the inflation in the bazaar and the official inflation that the government communicates through the media is not the same for some reason. The realities of foreign policy and what the media tells us are unfortunately not the same. The characters and narratives in historical TV series and what is written in libraries and history books are not the same, as you know. The real health practices and the rosy picture conveyed to us through media channels are not the same at all. 

So, if the media is like this, how will we get the right news? By using our minds. We will follow the path of reason. We will think. We will knead our mind with knowledge and experience the virtue of running towards perfection. Of course, I have nothing to say to those who rent their minds. Anyway, you don't need to be very smart to understand this. The street, the market, conversations say it all! A little awareness and a little intelligence is enough for all of us. Stay with respect and love, hoping to have a media that provides accurate information.