Question

types of "cognitive distortions" and their relationship to mass media and societal conditions. Questions: dysfunctional thoughts 1) Please identify and define the 3"cognitive distortions mentioned in your text in relation to 2) In light of the 3 factors discussed above-how would you evaluate the relationship between negative views about the world, one's self, and the future and the content of mass media (news stories, movies, television programs, advertisements, etc.). 3) R.D. Laing was a well known Scottish psychiatrist who studied and wrote extensively about mental illness and society. One of his famous quotes is that Insanity is a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world." Might it be possible that the ever increasing rates of depression could be a "normal and expected" response to the consistent and overwhelming amount of exposure to negativity in mass media (violence, fear inducing messages in advertising, social unrest, war, racism, etc.)? Please be specific in addressing this question and substantiate your opinion with concrete examples and/or experiences. 4) when viewed from this perspective ill treating the "individual"'instead of society" be effective in reducing depression? Why or why not? Cancel Save Draft Submit

Answer 1

1) The "cognitive distortion" is the faulty and irrational way of perceiving situations when an individual is depressed. The individuals see everything in the light of negativity in depression. The three "cognitive distortions" are:

• Negative view of the self. Viewing oneself as unsuccessful, incapable and victim of the circumstances etc is the first of the triad.
• Negative perception of the present reality. In the state of depression individuals view their past and present experiences as futile, they overthink their defeats and constantly think that all their endeavors were waste efforts.
• Negative perception of the future. Because they consider their present reality as futile and consider themselves to be defeated and victims of the circumstances, they view their future as hopeless and in despair.

2) For an individual who perceives self, their reality and future in despair and has no hope, the content of mass media associated with negativity as violence and tragedy in movies, stories or television programs , news related to crime and atrocities, will promote more negative distortion in the individual as they would relate themselves to aspects of the content of mass media and feel victimized and hopeless.

3). Continuous exposure to negativity in mass media to the individuals could possibly create fear and hopelessness about their future, they feel that this world is dark and gloomy, and very unsafe, they feel more insecure and unprotected. As for example the news reports that exaggerate reality during any calamity make people more panicked and insecure. The media stories of the prophecy that world will end on a specific date of a specific year could create panic and fear, especially who have cognitive distortions and are depressed.

4). To reduce depression both individuals and society needs the treatment. It is necessary to change the faulty ways of thinking that causes depression in the individuals, learning to cope negative circumstances is important in fighting against depression. Society also needs the treatment because the elements of the society as mass media, norms and traditions, socio-economic institutions promote depressive and oppressive aspects and negativity, for example racism, poverty, prejudice etc.