You Become What You Consume: On Repetition and Media Influence

The article explores how repetition in media consumption shapes perception and behavior, drawing on philosophical and scientific frameworks. It begins with everyday examples like fashion trends (Maison Margiela's Tabi shoes) to illustrate how repeated exposure can transform initial aversion into desire. The discussion then extends to entertainment formats, particularly trash TV, questioning whether repeated viewing of toxic relationship dynamics normalizes such behavior. The piece invokes the ancient debate between Plato and Aristotle: Aristotle saw theatre as emotional catharsis, while Plato argued that consumption internalizes depicted emotions. Modern cultivation theory, developed in the 1960s, supports Plato's view, showing that heavy TV consumers develop homogenized worldviews, overestimate crime and violence, and reinforce gender stereotypes. The article contrasts traditional television with social media, noting that algorithms create personalized bubbles that intensify the cultivation effect on an individual level. However, conscious use of social media can break repetition by exposing users to diverse perspectives. The piece acknowledges that repetition can also be positive, normalizing marginalized communities (e.g., LGBTQIA+ visibility, women's suffrage). It concludes that awareness of repetition's influence is crucial for mental health and societal progress.