The Significant Power of Media: Shaping Minds and Nations

Sher Ali Shahid

Media significantly impacts people’s minds and can change their perspectives, making it crucial for nation-building. Despite its pros and cons, it reflects society’s norms and culture, significantly influencing the past decade. Nation-building is constructing a nation’s identity through the state’s power, including establishing institutions like the government, education, the military, elections, import and export, and foreign trade. Key factors contributing to nation-building include the creation of national symbols like the anthem, flag, national events, language, and myths. Nation builders are state members who initiate building a national community through governmental programs. Media is currently considered the most impactful factor in building a nation, as it MOLDS THE MIND and influences people’s perceptions. The media is crucial in shaping a nation’s identity and culture.

The idea of John Locke’s Tabula Rasa, which holds that people are born without preexisting information, provides the foundation for the media’s power over our brains. Experience is the source of all knowledge, and the media shapes how people think and feel about current events and propaganda. So, media is an effective weapon for influencing domestic and foreign public opinion and is essential to developing nations. Although it is vital for nation-building, the media’s efficacy depends on several elements. Due to a lack of knowledge and understanding, particularly in rural, tribal, and urban regions, the media has a significant effect in Pakistan. Only some individuals are eager to create their ideas, making it easy for the media to influence people with rosy language and false proof. The media must correct serious problems and curb its hold on people’s minds to effectively lead individuals and nations in the right direction.

While the media may be a potent instrument for influencing people and entire countries, it must overcome its flaws and ensure that it is objective and helpful in determining the country’s destiny. The type of content portrayed by the media plays a vital role in determining a nation’s moral and social structure and political standards, so a significant responsibility rests with the media houses, newspaper owners, and those working in this field. It is imposed on all staff, either behind the scenes or on air, because it affects a nation and projects its image internationally. The positive role of the media, i.e., showing content that shows the positive side of the country, will have an impact. Apart from this, the negative side should also be shown, but in a way that improves the country and does not spoil its image. Likewise, Pakistani dramas are watched and loved nationally and internationally, which is a great way to project the country’s image to the world and bring about positive change in people.

The evolution of the media has been essential in portraying the state of the world today through live broadcasts, feature films, and short films. For instance, during World War II, Hitler’s propaganda relied heavily on the media to present him as a superior man. The Dictator, a comedy by Charles Chaplin, used humor to incite the audience to an audio-visual battle against the Nazi era. These illustrations show how the media may influence public opinion and perception. It can improve a country and bring about positive change if adequately used. Historically, Pakistani media has presented various competing opinions while adhering to stringent regulations and constraints. Most of Pakistan’s areas are vibrant, but frequent broadcasts of harmful content provide an inaccurate picture of the country, clouding judgment about the appropriate course of action.

Sometimes, television networks make up details or exaggerate events to draw in more people and boost their viewing numbers (TRP). Daily broadcasts routinely adhere to preconceived agendas while disregarding the real issues requiring attention. People have developed psychological scars as a result of media exposure. These depictions have disproportionately harmed a younger audience. Pakistan’s media has significantly shaped the country’s transformation despite historical weaknesses in accountability institutions and accusations of government inaction. The media has now played a crucial role in uncovering corruption within political leadership and other sectors, highlighting the country’s progressive transformation and fostering a more informed public. Nowadays, the media is so fast that a single exposure to disorder in the public sphere spreads like fire across the country. Electronic and print media are the most powerful tools for shaping the points of view of nations on every contemporary issue.

The media can also help polish a nation’s intellectual, moral, and social standards. The people working behind the media should be very responsible for preparing different programs because they also reflect the norms and values of society. As media reaches every aspect of our public life, many things should be changed, and the media should work on those issues for the betterment of society. Pakistani media plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s image, as it amplifies crime-related content, fostering turmoil within the country and projecting a negative global image. Countries like Singapore and Chicago have different international perceptions due to their media’s selective reporting. Karachi, with a lower crime rate but a more crime-ridden image, is more likely to be sensationalized. To address this issue, Pakistani media should adopt media responsibility and curtail crime-centered shows on television.

Instead, content should focus on positive and entertaining narratives that impact viewers’ minds positively. This approach will help Pakistan address its crime challenges and create a more positive global image. For example, in the past 10 years, Pakistan has produced and aired the best dramas and films, which were the source of entertainment inside and outside the country. They were greatly admired as Pakistani dramas are considered the best and are loved by international viewers. Also, dramas on social issues are the best means to spread awareness among people about specific issues such as child abuse, dowry issues, child labor, acid attacks, and many others, which should be highlighted. Currently, the media is playing a healthy role in bringing these issues in front of people. Media can effectively introduce the public to various problems and transfer information, but engaging them in this exchange can be challenging.

Technological trends, such as radio discussion formats and web-related features, are part of a movement for democracy revival. Media can play a crucial role in democratization by conducting public dialogues and providing an approach to various views and information. The relationship between media and democracy is essential, as it plays a role in functioning different elements of democracy. The press is a democratic watchdog, and the media manages for the nation to carry out self-analysis. The Pakistani media should play a crucial role in nation-building and promoting social change. To achieve this, the media should avoid spreading false news, avoid revealing the personal lives of known personalities, and work responsibly to expose corrupt leaders. It should also provide a platform for the public to express their views and serve as a communication source between the public and the government.

The media should promote tourism, which can benefit Pakistan economically and globally. It should raise a voice against violence and illegal activities, using neutral tactics to maintain a neutral image. It should also start awareness programs to change people’s mindsets, such as banning child labor and promoting girls’ education. Furthermore, the media should stop airing crime shows that distract youth minds. Media should handle news maturely, as hype can create chaos. Finally, the media should avoid promoting youngsters who engage in cheap publicity stunts for public attention. By doing so, the media can improve Pakistan and its society.

The writer is a student of International Relations at NDU Islamabad.