Media Literacy, Ethical Content, and Cultural Influence in Modern Media

Choice of Media

Media literacy is an essential aspect of life in today’s society. Even though content creators should adhere to ethical standards, they often shift content analysis to consumers. This study is analyzed by the episode from the TV show Black Mirror, ” Smithereens,” and the article “You Deserve a Great Nap” in The New York Times from the perspective of their content, possible issues, and ethical considerations.

You Deserve a Great Nap

I have chosen this article because it provides practical advice and recommendations to readers. Moreover, it affects the current topic of the daily life of many people, which determines the broad audience and the potential influence of content. The article focuses on the advantages of napping in a daily routine, emphasizing the positive effect on cognitive abilities and general well-being (Callahan para. 2). Content promotes the importance of self-care and considers napping to maintain mental health and increase productivity.

Given the general nature of the content and the relevance of the topic to everyday life, it can have a significant cultural influence on consumers. It reflects social norms and can contribute to a decrease in self-care stigmatization and the perception of daytime sleep as a manifestation of laziness. Moreover, content is publicly available, and users can familiarize themselves. The article was published in The New York Times, so responsibility and content ownership are applied to both the author and the platform.

This analysis increases my understanding of how media platforms can attract attention to social issues, promoting the ideas of people’s well-being and the choice of lifestyle. In addition, the article is a vivid example of how scientific research can be integrated into the media content. In the future, I will analyze the reliability of this type of content and its social orientation. Moreover, some Ethical considerations associated with the impact of the text on the consumer are associated with this material. According to Ward, the ethical approach to digital “is based on an ideal view of journalism as accurately and responsibly informing the public” (para. 30). The tips given in the article are consistent with recommendations for health protection, making a positive contribution to ethical journalism.

Smithereens

Smithereens is the second episode of the fifth season of the TV show Black Mirror. I chose this content because it reveals the dark side of the use of social networks and their potential influence on individuals. Today, when social networks are an almost integral part of people’s activity in digital space, paying attention to their potential negative influence is critical. The episode reveals the problem of sacrificing real-life communication and social interaction in favor of online space (Smithereens). It makes us think about the role of technology in people’s lives and its potential in forming behavior and relationships.

Raising an acute social problem, Smithereens significantly contributes to the cultural context of society. It focuses on the influence of technology on society, confidentiality problems, and potential unlawful use of personal data. However, content accessibility is possible only if a subscription to Netflix exists, which can create a digital divide and inequality. Content owners belong to both the creators of the black mirror and the platform. It determines their general responsibility for the episode’s influence on society.

The analysis of Smithereens from different prospects helps deepen my understanding of the responsibility of streaming services for presenting content that criticizes social problems. When interpreting this type of content in the future, I will critically evaluate it, given that it is fictional, and also focus on its impact on public opinion regarding current issues.

Moreover, in the media content of this type, there are some ethical considerations. Straubhaar et al. emphasize that “individuals and families have a responsibility to make their own decisions about what to watch and what to make of it” (485). It implies that despite the contribution to the public discussion, which can make this episode, the creators do not seek to impose their opinions on consumers. The audience independently forms its attitude to the affected issues, and the content only provides ground, though.

Works Cited

Callahan, Allice. “You Deserve a Great Nap.” The New York Times. 2023. Web.

“Smithereens.” Black Mirror, season 5, episode 2, Netflix, 2019.

Straubhaar, Joseph, Robert LaRose, and Lucinda Davenport. Media Now: Understanding media, culture, and technology. Cengage Learning, 2018.

Ward, Stephen J.A. “Digital Media Ethics.” Center for Journalism Ethics. Web.

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StudyCorgi. "Media Literacy, Ethical Content, and Cultural Influence in Modern Media." May 31, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/media-literacy-ethical-content-and-cultural-influence-in-modern-media/.

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StudyCorgi. 2025. "Media Literacy, Ethical Content, and Cultural Influence in Modern Media." May 31, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/media-literacy-ethical-content-and-cultural-influence-in-modern-media/.

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