To What Extent is Human Identity increasingly mediated?

Does the media reflect or shape our sense of who we are?:
Yes, to a certain extent, since much of our knowledge of the world around us is presented to us through media, and therefore media opinions of different issues or social groups can influence our own view. For example, the media presenting youth culture in a negative light could effect the identity's of other members of youth social groups. For example, the tv program "misfits" presents its group of youths on community service in a mostly positive light, and portrays community service as fun. This could influence peoples view, since previously people may have viewed community service workers in a negative light due to its criminal nature.


Is the media increasingly important in how we shape our identity?:
Since the methods of conveying media are becoming increasingly varied and prominent, more and more people are consuming it in whatever form, and therefore its impact on our identity is becoming increasingly prominent. For example, following the release of the first season of skins, a girl advertised a "skins" party on facebook, attempting to imitate the show,causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. This demonstrates different media converging to effect the actions and percieved identity of indiviguals.


How powerful is the media in shaping/ helping us to shape who we are?:
The media is shaping us in negative ways. Teenage girls could watch "Next Top Model" and believe they need to look and act like the girls on the TV. Therefore they could end up having eating disorders.
Skins can shape also in a negative way the advertising the use of drugs and alcohol to the teenage population. This can make them believe that drugs and excessive use of alcohol is "cool".

The Media can help us in the way of broadcasting people in the 3rd world countries. This can make us understand the importance of what we have.
Also a lot of nature shows can show the understanding of the world and how we are destroying it. So this can influence people to become more economic.