Final answer:
Media often emphasize the personal lives of celebrities over significant public issues, influencing public opinion and overshadowing vital discussions on governance and policy. The shift from mass broadcasting to narrowcasting further personalizes media consumption, potentially creating biased perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
I agree that television, newspapers, magazines, and other media do pay excessive attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. This focus often overshadows important issues pertaining to government, public affairs, and a broad range of policy discussions that are crucial for a well-informed public. The media industry's pursuit of profit can sometimes lead to sensationalism rather than substantive reporting.
The influence of media on public opinion is well-documented in scholarly research. It shapes not only what topics are brought to public attention but also how people think about these topics, including political preferences and evaluations. This is especially true in cases where individuals have minimal personal experience or knowledge about the issues being covered by the media.
Moreover, the shift from traditional mass broadcasting to narrowcasting means that consumers now often choose news sources that align with their personal and cultural backgrounds or interests, potentially creating echo chambers. While this transformation provides a variety of choices for news consumption, it can also fragment the socialization process that the media plays in shaping collective narratives about politics and society.