War and the media

Media has the power to influence the general population's thoughts and feelings regarding major events. Not only were they able to gain approval for the invasion of Iraq and then able to change it to reject the original attack. Whether it was intentional or not, the media played an important role in the changing of these opinions. This effect is seen in nearly all mass media coverage nowadays. With all the recent tragedies that have been occurring around the world, the media has played a vital role in how the events are framed. We have seen shootings be called anything from an act of terrorism or a sign to improve mental healthcare. The angle that is pushed by the media that we expose ourselves to tends to be one that strongly resonates with our already established views. This feeling of reinforcement helps persuade us that our views are correct and are thus strengthened. If the audience doesn't already have a strong opinion in regards to a particular event, then they are likely to trust new sources that they have agreed with previously. By pursuing an angle that is congruent with their agenda, media is able to influence and frame how we see the world around us.