I found this article from Strait Times Saturday Edition - Oct 17
The online version can only be read if you are a member though.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_443367.html
The matchmaking agency that cobined last year (SDU-SDS) had been given a new name as of now. It caught my eye since my latest Communication lecture had gone through the chapters on Mass Media. Though it may have been a while since we heard anything about our local matchmaking agencies, I'm sure there are some who remembered about this, and the emphasis placed on couples. Mentioned in the National Day Rally, and now news of such had made the headlines. Couples seem to be the must-be status nowadays.
The issue of encouraging more couples seem to follow the Agenda Setting Theory of mass media.
This refers to the medias ability through repeated news coverage, to raise the importance of an issue in the public's mind. It might have worked since the agency is no longer members-only, and this had let other singles previously not allowed to take part in the events organized. However, no matter how frequent such news can encourage the use of such dating services, it still depends on our own decisions. For some, we may think that it is deemed 'desperate' if we attend, while others may see it as a way to enlarge their social cirlces. There might even be some who feel that it depends on our own efforts rather than using dating agencies.
All in all, with the media bringing up such news repeatedly, it seems to be that it is normal for singles to try out and attend more gatherings and events from dating agencies, be it to find the other half or just to make friends. You never know, you might find the right one just around the corner.
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Heyz Siling =)
ReplyDeletehere's another comment from me! =)hope it helps! =)
Like what you had mentioned, I find that the media really has an ability to influence the way we think and our actions. Another example about the influence that the media has on us would the on the 'Dell Laptop Ad' which you had posted as your second entry. In the same way, both have used the media as their means of letting more people be aware of them (i.e. the dating service and Dell Laptops). I feel that the media has also played a part in the way we catergorize our wants and needs. An example would be like you have mentioned in your post regarding the news coverage on the dating service, people who are singles and who have seen the news may feel that it is very important for them to find their partner due to seeing the importance of having one on the news and hence, may sign up for the dating service. Those who seen the Dell Laptop Ad may 'fall in love' with the new range of laptops and feel that it is their top priority to get one!
Not only that, with the media's repeated coverage on the dating service, people may feel more and more certain to join them. However, like what you have mentioned, there'll certainly be some people out there who are unfazed by the news coverage on the dating service and who will not give in to joining them. I guess the reason why there is repeated news coverage on dating services is to hopefully, encourage people to set up a family and have children which is ultimately to increase the young population in Singapore as she is already an aging population. Hence, dating services are capitalizing on the government's attempts to increase Singapore's young population to promote their services.
Heyy Siling (:
ReplyDeleteTrue! There are some timeless attitudes or prejudices we have towards certain issue. Dating agencies are constantly stimatised by some in society, it's inevitable. Hence, that's why you say that the agenda setting function of the media through repeated coverage is limiting right? I think it's a reflection of the moderate effects theory working in society, what do you think?