Why is it important to study media, rather than just consume it? Modern life without media would be unimaginable, even for the most reclusive. The two are so intertwined that any attempt to extract one from the other would require herculean efforts. And yet, the history of media is short; its evolution into a powerful tool was rapid and unpredictable (Bazalgette, 2000, p. 2). It is therefore not surprising that the media is viewed with suspicion, even fear, as society grapples with this rapidly evolving construct (Bazalgette, 2000, p. 2). However, what is surprising is the lack of studies on such a ubiquitous and important topic. Media studies as an academic subject, like much of its theoretical framework, has only surfaced in recent decades (Bazalgette, 2000, p. 2). Despite growing interest in this field, media studies is still fraught with controversy and its share of detractors (Bazalgette, 2000, p. 3). Nevertheless, it is clear that a closer examination of media is crucial to becoming a more informed consumer of it. Specifically, how media studies will empower its audiences and help develop more sophisticated readings of media texts; how media relates to “self-concept” (Thompson, 1995, p. 22); and how useful it is to study media studies. Our worldview is constructed from information filtered to us through various forms of media. Studying the media then means investigating these filters. Bazalgette (2000, p. 2) suggests that politicians and industrial leaders born in the early 20th century were likely unfamiliar with new technologies. Their decisions and opinions would therefore have been inevitably influenced by their ...... middle of paper ...... increasing importance on our individuality and self-esteem, it is obvious that everyone should study the media.List reference BAZALGETTE, G. 2000. “Why Media Studies Is Worth It.” in: S. COOPER (ed.) ATS 1277 Media Studies Reader. Churchill. Monash print and design Gippsland. pp.1-12.MCKEE, A. 2001. “Beginner’s Guide to Textual Analysis.” in: S. COOPER (ed.) ATS 1277 Media Studies Reader. Churchill. Monash print and design Gippsland. pp.55-64.SINCLAIR, J. 2002. “Media and communications: theoretical traditions”. in: S. COOPER (ed.) ATS 1277 Media Studies Reader. Churchill. Monash print and design Gippsland. pp.13-20.THOMPSON, JB 1995. “Self and experience in a mediated world”, Media and modernity: a social theory of media. in: S. COOPER (ed.) ATS 1277 Media Studies Reader. Churchill. Monash print and design Gippsland. pp.21-32.