Does the media portray society or does society portray the media?

Answer 1

The Media shapes Society -- it portrays what the Media wants us to be...and that is BAD BAD BAD.

Answer 2

Both, depending on how evolved the society is or the media is, particularly country specific.
Till some years ago, media used to portray society, in as much as reporting what was happening. These days, many media ( press / tv) organise celebrity bashes and the splash the whole thing on their society pages or programs.. and with televison viewership increasing, and most being kids or teens, there is the urge to go out an follow the society pages as depicted in the media - the glamour quotient!
As society matures, this will stabilise, but media today means increased viwership, increased readership - so they sensationalize.
In the old days, we would not be bothered by what a model or actress ate for dinner , or where she shopped, today that is news - including outrageous comments attributed to celebrities.
This actually makes readers and viewers want to follow them ( vicarious gratification?).
At least in today's world, society follows media.

Answer 3

I think it's a little of both. The media seeks to portray society, but while doing it they may offer a skewed point of view that only applies to a minority of the population. But, once that's on TV, society in large imitates it, to be cool like the people on TV. And the vicious cycle continues.

Answer 4

The media does not portray society,
it betrays it.

Answer 5

Honey, the media could not even "create" some of the stuff that goes on in society. It's a crazy world out there, the media just tell the story... sometimes straight... sometimes a little bent... sometimes just plain crooked.

Answer 6

How could society portray the media? Please explain.
The media portray society badly and incorrectly.

Answer 7

The media potrays what it wants to for ratings, nuff said.