Should Communication Markets Have Too Much Influence On Citizens And Consumers

To Buy or to Think People are both citizens and consumers, as such, an individual will perform both roles throughout everyday life. Schudson argues that individuals can not play one role without the other. One of the topics that comes up in the readings is who has the power in society. Sunstein believes that the communications markets are ruling citizens and consumers. Schudson believes that consumers and citizens have power over the corporations and the politics. Should communication markets have less influence on citizens and consumers, or is our power now substantial enough to rule? Communications markets have too much influence on our choices and are limiting our freedoms. Citizens and consumers need to take more action to participate in boycotts and buycotts more often to take back their power. Communication markets use their words and advertisements to their advantage. By explaining to individuals the benefits of a product, communication markets are able to intrigue the citizen side of an individual. To get the consumer to buy a …show more content…
The consumption treadmill is described as a “treadmill in which each is continually trying to purchase more and better, simply in order to keep up with others…” (Sunstein, 172). This is a way in which individuals will buy things just to get ahead on the social standings that are created by their peers. The example used in this chapter was about cars, the car you are using is perfectly fine. However your neighbor purchased a nicer and newer car, therefore, yours is viewed as inadequate, persuading you to buy a more luxurious model. Citizens need to take a step back and realize they are being trapped in a cycle that they can stop, and take back the power that should be theirs. By thinking about the product consumers are buying, making independent decisions, they can stop the cycle of the consumer