Page 12 - English in Media Discourse

political critics. They can limit the range of information
available to the public and influence the public's
understanding of various issues 17.

In summary, framing and agenda-setting are powerful tools used by
the media to shape public opinion, influence public awareness and
concern about specific issues, and ultimately impact public
perception and policy-making processes.

C. Examples of media discourse shaping societal attitudes

Media discourse has a profound impact on shaping societal
attitudes and beliefs. Here are some examples of how media
discourse influences public opinion:
1. Education and Religion: The media has the power to
shape public opinion, especially over major topics such as
education and religion. It plays a role in transmitting reality,
uncovering underlying facts, and changing the mentality of
people to be more permissive, understanding, and educative
18.
2. Influencing Social Norms: Media influences individual
beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, particularly in the context
of social norms that encourage or discourage certain
behaviors. For example, mass media communication has
been used to target social norms that influence and
encourage gender violence, ultimately impacting attitudes
and behavior regarding violence against women 19.
3. Political Discourse and Social Change: Social media has
been essential in organizing social movements, amplifying
voices, and influencing political discourse. It has the power
to shape public agenda and impact political society,
contributing to a more just and equitable society by
understanding and addressing the problems and
opportunities given by social media in the digital era 20.
4. Shaping Public Opinion: Media, in its various forms,
holds immense power in shaping public opinion. The way
news is presented, the stories that are highlighted, and the
rise of citizen journalism facilitated by digital platforms