Reader's Response

Reader's Response to "The Effect of Media Globalization" by Mary Hickman

Imagine living in today’s society without the Internet or a mobile phone. Technology and media affiliation has become a basic need for Generation Y, such as getting constant updates from Twitter, Facebook and now Instagram.

In Hickman’s work, the effects of media globalization generalizes that the spread of media globalization is inevitable in today’s world and has also aid in other types of globalization. Though he presented some benefits the world have received due to media globalization, he mainly focused on its consequences.

I agree with Hickman that globalization has brought about many changes in our lives and in businesses, where the world is perceived to be smaller due to its interconnectedness. However, disadvantages are always present.

Rapid developments in technology is often a boon and a bane. Hickman pointed out examples of how we have gained from globalization, one such example that caught my eye was  how "the internet can improve our health or save lives. Your doctor may send an X-ray or MRI to another doctor in India or China for a second opinion and have it within hours”. This goes to show the extent of how integral technology is in the advancement of various fields, yet in spite of that, there is no guarantee that the privacy of patients’ information is maintained. The doctor may send the patient’s medical records to the wrong person, an action that is irreversible and may cause harm.

Media can also bridge cultural gaps as information is now more readily available and people can understand each other better. Furthermore, these information can be assessed and retrieved virtually anywhere, making it extremely convenient. However, with the vast amount of information available, comes problems, for instance, media "can deteriorate foreign relations as cultural barriers are broken down by American media" (Siochru, 2004).

Media globalization focuses on profit. Many ‘multinational corporations produce products, which maximize their profits while decreasing costs of production.’ By decreasing their costs of production, there would be lesser jobs available for the citizens where the corporation is based at. Hence, this shows that whilst media globalization improves the economy of the country, it does not necessarily apply to income levels.

Culture is a product of media. It is through media that the culture of greed is portrayed. As mentioned in Hickman’s article, ‘the wealthiest countries have the resources to produce the most media; therefore, media that is delivered to the global audience will promote the culture of the wealthiest countries’. By advertising lavish and expensive items in a commercial, this may represent a new cultural norm that people should have in order to fit into society.

I personally feel that I would not be able to adapt in an environment without the presence of media. Friedman acknowledges that "media globalization currently does, and will continue to have a profound impact on how people conduct their lives". I agree that media globalization has benefitted each of us to a certain extent, however, we should also not neglect the negative impacts that it causes.