media mindfulness: how what we see becomes a part of us

A favorite streaming series; social media; news sites: The stories, pictures, and videos you take in seem harmless – just passsing the time. But if you search your feelings (Luke), you know these things affect you: how you think and feel, and more importantly, how you make decisions. Even if they seem unreal or ridiculous?

Media (movies, TV shows, video games, and social media) can be a huge part of our lives. It’s easy to spend hours every day staring passively at screens, absorbing whatever comes into your mind. But here’s the thing: our brains are sponges. No, really, they actually are, basically, and they soak up all that stuff, and it shapes our identity, thinking, and beliefs.

The Power of Images and Stories

Our brains react to sounds and images almost as if we having the experience ourselves. Ever felt scared during a horror movie, or cheered when Superman wins? Our brains can’t always tell the difference between what’s real and what’s CGI. These powerful feelings and reactions stay with us long after the movie ends.

The more we see something, the more it becomes a part of us. If we watch shows that are always full of violence, we might start to think the world is a scarier place than it really is. If we constantly see perfect-looking people on social media, we might start to feel bad about ourselves, even though we know those pictures are often edited or filtered.

How Media Shapes Our Beliefs

It’s not just our emotions that are affected by what we watch—our beliefs and values can be shaped by media, too. For example, if we always see certain groups of people portrayed in negative ways, we might start to believe those stereotypes, even if we know better. Or if we see unrealistic images of beauty, we might begin to think that’s how everyone should look.

Even when something seems silly or absurd, it can still have an impact. Cartoons, for example, might exaggerate things for laughs, but they can also send messages about how people should act or what’s considered normal. Over time, these messages can become a part of our own thinking, without us even realizing it.

Being Mindful of What We Watch

So, what can we do about it? The key is to be mindful of what we watch and how much time we spend in front of screens. Being mindful means paying attention to how media makes us feel and think. If something makes us feel bad or seems unrealistic, it’s okay to step away or choose something else.

It’s also important to balance the media we consume. Watching different types of shows, reading various kinds of books, and following a mix of people on social media can help us see the world in a more balanced way. We should choose content that makes us think, teaches us something new, or simply makes us feel good.

Conclusion

Media is a powerful tool that can shape who we are and how we see the world. By being mindful of what we watch and how it affects us, we can make better choices that help us grow in positive ways. Remember, just because something is on a screen doesn’t mean it’s real—or that it should become a part of who we are.