Media has a big impact on how we see and understand culture. Let's break down its influence:

1. Gender Roles:

   • A study from the Geena Davis Institute shows that only 31% of speaking characters in movies are female. This makes it seem like traditional gender roles are still strong.
   • In many films, men are often shown as powerful leaders, while women are seen in caring or supporting jobs. This affects how people expect men and women to act in society.

2. Cultural Norms and Stereotypes:

   • How different races and ethnicities are shown in media can create stereotypes. A report from Stanford University found that people from minority groups are often shown in negative ways or not at all, which can change how the public thinks about them.
   • For example, Asian characters make up only about 5% of speaking roles in Hollywood movies. This lack of representation can lead to misunderstanding cultural differences.

3. Influence on Buying Habits:

   • Advertisements play a big part in how we shop and spend money. According to a report from Nielsen, 92% of people trust advice from friends and family more than ads.
   • This shows that media not only shows what society values but also helps shape those values, affecting what people want to buy and how they behave.

4. Effects on Young People:

   • Research shows that kids aged 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours on media every day. This amount of exposure can make certain behaviors, like violence or drug use, seem normal, influencing how they grow up socially.

In summary, media is a strong force that reflects and shapes cultural norms. It affects how we think, behave, and interact in society.