Our first assignment for this class turned out to be pretty interesting. We had to note the communication messages we encountered during a 24 hour period. I thought that since I ended up picking a day that didn't include much interaction with other people--I was being very studious that day!--I wouldn't have much to report on. But I still found about 50 instances of communication during those 24 hours - most of which was unsolicited. This activity made me realize that we are constantly bombarded with instances of communication, even when we don't think we are. Those unsolicited radio and tv commercials are especially prominent. Just in one short tv commercial break I counted 8 commercials! I knew there were always a ridiculous number of commercials during those breaks, and usually I just tune them out. Once I was forced to pay attention, I was shocked by how many messages I was subject to in one day. Even when 'tuning out' those messages, we're still exposed to the various products and scripts that are carefully constructed by advertisers. Whether or not we actively pay attention, some of their messages are still getting through.
This is all important to keep in mind as a future producer of health messages. What will work to grab people and have them actually pay attention to my important messages? How will consumers be able to separate out healthy, prevention messages from all the advertisements for the latest and greatest gadgets, unhealthy yet convenient eating establishments, political jargon, etc.? We health promoters sure do have our work cut out for us!
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