Are You Okay? Characteristics of People Easily Influenced by the Media and How to Deal with It

Hello.
I am
a psychological counselor (certified public psychologist) specializing in psychiatry and personality psychology, Naruhiko Takeuchi.

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Today, I would like to think together about "people who are easily influenced by the media".

I am a psychological counselor who has been researching personality and psychology for many years.
Recently, I often receive consultations asking, "In an era overflowing with information, what kind of people are easily influenced by the media?" So, this time, I have summarized it in an easy-to-understand way, hoping it will be a hint for you to know the tendencies of yourself and those around you.

1. Differences by Age
First, because the media used differs by age, the influences received also change.

Elderly people tend to mainly use "old media" such as television and newspapers. Especially for those in their 70s and older, television is the center of their information sources. Since it is a medium they have been familiar with for a long time, they naturally tend to trust it, and therefore, they can be easily influenced by its content. Furthermore, feelings of loneliness and changes in cognitive function are also factors that make them more susceptible to influence.

The younger generation (teens and 20s) actively uses social media. While social media allows for easy access to information, it also has the characteristic that biased opinions and incorrect information can easily spread. The "echo chamber phenomenon," where one only sees the opinions of people with the same way of thinking, is also one of the reasons why it is easy to become biased toward specific opinions.

2. Differences by Personality
Personality is also greatly related to how easily one is influenced by the media.
People who are other-directed (a type sensitive to the evaluations of those around them and trends) tend to want to immediately incorporate topics that are being talked about on TV or social media, or the words and actions of celebrities, into their daily lives. This tendency seems to be particularly strong in "first-born types."
On the other hand, people who value their own feelings and thoughts (such as the youngest child type) tend to think about "what do I want to do?" rather than accepting media information as it is, so it can be said that they are less likely to be influenced.

3. The Importance of Information Literacy (Ability to Discern Information)
In today's world overflowing with information, "information literacy" is very important.
If information literacy is low, one might believe information as it is, saying "because it was said on TV..." or "because everyone on social media is saying it...". For example, buying a product after seeing an advertisement or promotion without thinking about whether it is really necessary.

To improve literacy...
Let's make it a habit to question, "Is this information really correct?" It is also important to gather information from multiple media and compare them.

Summary

People who are easily influenced by the media have the following characteristics:
1. The media used differs by age, and they are easily influenced by each. Other-directed and trend-sensitive personalities are easily influenced.
2. If information literacy is low, one is easily swayed by incorrect information.

What is important is to look back and ask, "What type am I?" and devise ways to engage with information as needed. By having questions and looking at information from various perspectives, I think you will be able to spend your days more wisely and with more peace of mind.

If you thought, "I want to know more about my personality type!", please consult a Character Diagnosis Advisor near you. Knowing yourself is the first step to a better life.

Thank you very much for reading to the end today as well.
I express my heartfelt gratitude.
Counseling Room "Kokoro no Sodanshitsu with" Nagoya