Imagine what the world would be like if, when people came home from school or work, they couldn't sit in front of the television and watch their favorite shows. It would be hard to think so considering that not a day goes by without people using some form of media. Media is used to obtain information and watch entertainment. There are many forms of this, and some include newspapers, the Internet, television, and much more. While there are obviously many great advantages to media growth, there are some undeniable and serious disadvantages. “In a study of fifth graders, 10-year-old girls and boys told researchers they were dissatisfied with their bodies after watching a Britney Spears music video or a clip from the TV show “Friends”” (Sanders). This is just one of the many disturbing statistics about the effects the media can have on people. Numerous researches and studies have been conducted on this topic and it is very evident that the influence of the media has greatly affected society and people's behaviors in a negative way. The media has a very long history. The first method of communication was developed by the Roman Catholic Church, and this system meant that messages could be transmitted throughout Europe. Early forms of writing first arose in the Middle East 3500 BC (Hanson). These writings were obviously very simple, but over time they evolved to become much more complex. Eventually paper was invented and books could later be written, although they could not be distributed very easily. Many forms of communication began to develop during the 19th century. Due to the invention of printing and the increase in literacy rates, books, the new...... middle of paper...... Communication: Living in a Media World, 3rd ed. House. Np, nd Web. November 15, 2013.Hiebert, Ray E. “Impact of Mass Media.” Impact of the mass media. Np, nd Web. 15Jaslow, Ryan. “Violent Video Games and Mass Violence: A Complex Link.” CBSNews.CBS Interactive and Web. November 15, 2013. “Mass Media: Scholastic.” School. Np, nd Web. November 15, 2013. “Negative Effects of Media on Girls.” Statistics. Np, nd Web. November 15, 2013. “The Role and Influence of the Mass Media.” The role and influence of the mass media. Np, nd Web. November 15, 2013.Sanders, Erica L. "Journal of Undergraduate Research for the Humanities." Journal of undergraduate research for the humanities. Np, nd Web. November 15, 2013."Statistics." Violence in the media. Np, nd Web. November 15, 2013. “Adolescent Health and the Media.” Adolescent health and the media. Np, nd Web. November 15. 2013.