Why study media?

Since we are constantly being surrounded by media, we often get confused by our reality and the virtual reality from interacting with social media. That is why by studying media, we can have a clearer understanding of the difference between the two realities.

I think that since the social networking websites have started to gain popularity, everyone is more connected virtually than in person. Everyone can just sit behind their computer screen, or on their smartphone, while they browse the net in their alternate persona.

 People spend so much time on updating their own online profiles, it's as if it's their job to update information about themselves. As they spend more and more time online, they naturally will turn into another person to the point that they will start believing that it is their real self.

Because of the endless possibilities of characterizing yourself when you are online, people can be deceiving and be obsessed in building their online personality. I think for some it is a good thing that they get to create another persona because they could be experiencing tougher times in real life. For example, someone that is always being bullied in real life might feel happier and more welcomed when they are online. Media realities could be an escape for some but ultimately, we should not mix up the two realities because all the things you think you can do or achieve virtually is pointless when you are offline. So think about who you really are and don't use virtual reality as an escape.