159 The role of media in the world (1/2)

If he got this wrong, he was certain it would be the end of his interview. He could tell from the aloof body language of everyone in the conference room that no one expected him to know the answer, and they were right

He didnt have a good answerbut he wouldnt quit without at least trying. Ben thought about his old otaku lifestyle, growing up alone in a room, with nothing but media to call his friend. He recalled how close he was to that friend, and how if it wasnt for that friend, hed still be stuck in that room, but in an even worse statewith the windows down, blind and deaf to the outside world.

He reflected on his own recent journey, and how he stepped away from that friend, to grow into a man himself; how he discovered the wonders of the outside world on his own, and how he realized that it was much more complex and beautiful than the simple view his old friend always gave him. His old pal held his hand and carried him home, but he also blinded his eyes so he wouldnt be afraid

When Ben opened his eyes for himself and realized all this, he was thankful to that friend, but also wary

Returning from his thoughts, Ben got his answer. Although it seemed his process of recollection took a long time, it actually took even longer than that

The interviewers were staring at him, wondering if he was asleep.

Ben leaned into the conference table and posted on his arms. ”The role of media in peoples lives is as a window to the world, a friend, a teacher, and a guardian. In short, media is a parent….”

”Parent? Oh?” Jacobs eyes flashed. He hadnt heard that word used in this context before. Everyone else also showed various looks of surprise and waited for Ben to continue.

He elaborated. ”Media exists to connect people to the much larger world. Nowadays, technology is advancing at breakneck speed, with global connectivity at an all-time high. Yet, rather than people connecting to the world, theyve never been further away from reality, sunk into their technology, adopting it as a bubble from which to experience the world.” Sighing, he remembered how he lived as an otaku for so long. ”Or even, misjudging it as the world itself”

The faces of everyone in the room became serious as they stared on, hanging onto his words and charisma.

Ben continued. ”Outside, were glued to our phones. At home, were glued to our televisions and computers. People are spending less time socially, with many around the globe leading lives barely leaving their houses

The first is the most important in defining medias role as a parent, and thats responsibility”

Now, even Paul narrowed his eyes and gave Ben his full attention. Where is he going with this?

Ben soon answered that. ”Now, more than ever, there should be a greater sense of responsibility in the media industry. People define their realities through the media they consume. Its many peoples only window to the outside world, as influential in their lives as their social circles and schools, maybe even more important

At this moment in time, if the media industry prioritizes its responsibility to shareholders and goes for quick profits at the expense of its responsibility to consumers, it would be a huge mistake. Thats true not only philosophically, but financially as well” Bens higher knowledge stat and effort in his studies was showing now.

Paul frowned. ”How would focusing on profits hurt financially? Im not following your train of thought.”

Ben replied with a confident smirk. ”Its because profits at the expense of responsibility to the consumer carry a greater cost. That brings me to the answer to your second question: the biggest challenge facing the media industry today, which I would also say is not a challenge, but a crisisa crisis of trust!”