A Faustian Bargain

By Kumiko Takahashi

A Faustian bargain originates an old story called "Faust." In the story, Faust, who is a main character of the story, makes a bargain with the Devil so he can do everything that he wants to do, even though he has to sell his soul to the Devil. Since he sells his soul to the nasty Devil, he is eaten by the Devil at the end. The story shows the situation in which something is gained, but also lost at the same time.

We are using many kinds of mass media to get lots of information today. Although mass media such as the Internet, radio and TV are really effective and convenient tools, they have many negative influences; and we may have to sacrifice something valuable if we become too dependent on these media.

Today, our world is based on mass media. We can watch many kinds of news and information with TV, or the Internet. In an emergency, we can listen to news or any information with the radio. The Internet is one of the most popular convenient tools to get tons of information right away, and it has become a necessity in today’s society. We can watch TV programs, read novels, buy clothes and listen to music with the Internet. Many companies have websites that help customers contact them or research information. Even though those information and communication technologies seem to be the greatest invention in human history, they also have negative points -- a price that we have to pay, as Faust had to pay in the end of the story.

Since forms of mass media are entertaining, people, especially in American society, are likely to get addicted to them. People stay in front of TV to watch programs, enjoy the gossip of famous actors, play video games all day rather than go outside and walk. Some people always listen to the radio even though they are in a public place. People play computer games online, meet new people and stay in front of the computer all day. They can’t live without mass media. It causes people’s lack of communication ability, and lack of exercise. Addiction to mass media has become the big issue in many countries, in terms of health, society and communication. In Japan, there are many people who don’t want to work, go to school or even get out of their room. They are called NEET (Not engaged in Employment, Education or Training). Neet usually keep living with their parents to make them take care of them. And they are likely to keep staying in their room and using the Internet all day and to talk to other people online. The lack of communication ability isolates them from the world and makes it difficult for them to get out of their room.

Because mass media have to keep people’s attention, they tend to make their programs funny, individual and interesting. In order to make them interesting, mass media are likely to seek gossip about famous people. Moreover, although freedom of expression is guaranteed by the law, excessive reports can violate people’s privacy. If you were Tom Cruise, your house would be surrounded by photographers waiting for you to get drunk and drive. People’s curiosity makes the media seek a more interesting story, but the media attention can make it worse.

Mass media are usually supported by advertisements of many kinds of businesses and companies. We are passively watching and listening to over 20 advertisements in a day even if we aren’t aware of it. Advertisements on TV cut the show into 10-minute pieces. Ads on the Internet make the web page heavy, so it takes a long time to open the page. Although ads are the most effective way to inform people about their product, too many ads would be irritating or annoying. Also, ads which use many bright colors task people’s eyesight.

The development and diffusion of mass media has brought us a very convenient information age. However, like the story of Faust, we have to pay with some sacrifices in order to gain something. We tend to look at only the good side of mass media, but they also have as many dangers as benefits. We have to be aware of these dangers and try not to be too influenced by the media.