Homogenization of Thought

Welcome. The pages posted on this site contain the full text of my Master's thesis, published back in 2001. As the years go by the findings presented within this study continue to be supported. Added to current studies, this information should concern you. Turn off your TV. Cancel the TV component of your cable subscription. Use the Internet to gather information, not for entertainment. Reading text should be the goal, not viewing imagery. Read my thesis, you will understand why. Take nothing at face value and question everything.

Digital imagery, an all-pervasive and ingeniously manipulated part of media, is in the process of molding our society's culture (Eagleton, 1991; Macionis, 1998; Mander & Goldsmith, 1996; Iyengar, 1991). The ties to the past that we, as individuals, pass on to our children are at risk of being diluted into oblivion. Our thoughts are being molded into a homogeneous lifestyle devoid of diversity and history (Gerbner, 1995; Huxley, 1946; Mander, 1991; Postman, 1986; Orwell, 1949). Those who control how our thoughts are being shaped control our future by having control of how we perceive the past and the present (Kocher, 2001; Ross, 2001). This research paper explores and studies the array of technology-based formats that allow this to occur and the implications that are not only possible but also highly probable (Bagdikian, 1992; Anonymous, 1997; Iyenger, 1994; Johnson, 1999; Klass, 2000; Mander, 1992; Mander, Goldsmith, 1996).

My research focuses on a very complex subject. Although studied in-depth and critically analyzed the time factor proved to be the most difficult to overcome. The necessity to do a thorough study precludes deadlines, yet reality does control what is done. With all that is being written about the effects of television viewing on various aspects of our society as it pertains to perceived increases in violent behavior in our children (Gore, 1994; Greto, 1999; Murray, 1999) and its effects on students' abilities to learn how to read, write and comprehend the data (Kaufman, 1998; Winn, 1985; Johnson, 1999) the need for further research exists. With all of the data that is available concerning television viewing habits, content and society in general one would think that there would be a wealth of information that combines this information with the capabilities of the computer and the potential for a massive data-mining initiative that would make the cataloging of everyone's personal information, interests and habits available to the highest bidder. Unfortunately, there is a significant dearth of information on this subject. As this research paper continues to explore the literature and investigate fresh sources of information and perspectives, the potential for and implications of a behavioral modification campaign utilizing technology and its recreational usage takes on a whole new meaning.