Much of the information people receive over the course of their daily lives comes from the mass media. Each day Americans receive visual and textual information from newspapers, television, radio, and other media outlets. Much of what the media produce, such as commercial and political advertisements, are specifically designed to influence our thinking and behavior. The cumulative effect of the media on individual and social behavior has been the subject of much research and debate.

One criticism of the mass media is that they can create unnecessary anxiety by placing too big a spotlight on “bad” news. Local television news programs typically lead off with the latest crime story. Wars and natural disasters often receive blanket coverage by the television news networks. Fearful stories of crime, terrorism, disease, and other problems are often featured on the covers of newspapers...