Consumption to Creation : The Responsibility

by Shreya Bhanuka

It is incredibly important for us to be mindful of the kind of media we consume and the kind we produce, especially as writers and artists. Media consumption affects us on multiple levels—cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically. While it can be a source of entertainment, knowledge, and connection, it also has the potential to influence our mental health, behavior, and worldview, sometimes in harmful ways. Media can change how we perceive the world and shape our beliefs. Therefore, what we consume is what we become. Books, in particular, have a unique and profound impact on our cognitive, emotional, and social lives. Whether we read non-fiction, fiction, or poetry, literature has a long-term effect on us. Books can shape our thoughts, beliefs, and mindset, and they have the power to change us.

It is important to remember this while writing and reading. Therefore, it is crucial to consume healthy, uplifting literature. When we write, we must remember that words have great power. They can create a ripple effect—they can inspire, educate, and empower people, or they can have the opposite reaction and harm people by spreading the wrong message.

Articles, essays, and all forms of writing have been important for centuries. It is essential to communicate, share ideas, and raise awareness. Through words, we can revolutionize the world and bring about change. But with the great power of words comes even greater responsibility. Books like The Diary of Anne Frank and To Kill a Mockingbird carry important messages about justice, human rights, and our collective struggle for a better society. These books compel us to stop and re-examine our values, morals, and social structures.

Words have historically sparked movements, raised awareness about injustice, and inspired people to take action. Whether it’s abolitionist writings during slavery, feminist manifestos, or climate change articles, writers have often been at the forefront of societal change. However, we must also remember that words can be manipulative and distort reality. This was addressed in 1984 by George Orwell, which remains crucial in discussions about government surveillance, censorship, and the loss of individual freedoms.

It’s not just books; articles, essays, and reports by journalists and activists have also fought for change and truth with their pens as swords. They’ve battled corruption, supported LGBTQ+ rights, and broken barriers by opening new perspectives and changing mindsets. Essays like A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf have explored femininity and the importance of financial and personal freedoms in the fight for gender equality. Books like The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and articles like Why Women Still Can't Have It All by Anne-Marie Slaughter have sparked reflection on values and women’s place in society.

Today, we live in a world rapidly changing due to advancements in AI and technology. The same media and writing that inspire and educate us can also limit our thinking, narrow our views, set social standards, and lead to censorship and bans. This creates an environment in which mental health issues, existential anxiety, and other health problems may rise. For the younger generation, this can be especially concerning, as it could completely alter our worldview, making us vulnerable, full of hatred for one another, and filled with distorted ideas.

The trending Netflix show Adolescence beautifully portrays the consumption of media and its impact. It explores the effects of social media, online culture, and toxic masculinity.

And our consumption of such media shapes our identities, and we must remember that the media we consume is created by us. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to produce media that is thoughtful, well-rounded, and free from negativity.

In conclusion, it’s important to consume and create media that uplifts, informs, and empowers rather than reinforcing negative stereotypes or encouraging harmful behaviors. By promoting thoughtful, reflective consumption of media—whether books, articles, social media, or any form of art—adolescents can be better equipped to face the challenges of growing up and form their own healthy, well-rounded identities.