Every day, we are all influenced by the mass media(television, movies, radio, magazines, newspapers, and the like ). Although some critics of the media claim that these means of communication are used primarily to control our thinking and get us to buy products that we don't need, the media also contribute to keeping people informed. In other words, while dangers do exist, the benefits of the media far outweigh the disadvantages. Most of the messages brought to viewers, listeners, and readers are designed either to inform. or to entertain and neither of these goals can be considered dangerous or harmful. If consumers of the media could be taught at an early age to examine messages critically, i. e. , to think carefully about what is being communicated they would be able to take advantage of the information and enjoy the entertainment without being hurt by it. The key to critical thinking is recognizing the purposes of the news or scriptwriters, the advertisers, and so on. Axe both sides of an issue being presented? Is the amount of violence and killing shown necessary to the point of a story? Have enough facts about a product being advertised been presented? Furthermore, in a country with a democratic form. of government, the people can be kept informed by the mass media. To be able to express their views and vote intelligently, citizens need the opportunity to hear news, opinions, and public affairs programming. Information about current events is presented in depth on publicly funded TV channels and radio stations as well as in newspapers. In addition, the public broadcasting media can help viewers and listeners to complete or further their education. Recent immigrants, for example, can improve their command of English through TV and radio, and in addition, some college courses are taught on educational television. Another recognized advantage of the media is that it gives people the information they need in their daily lives: weather and traffic reports are good examples. While commercials and advertising do not necessarily present accurate information, they do make people aware of the availability of products that could improve their lives. In addition, they create a large demand for some items, which may lead to a reduction in their price. While the media can be a valuable means of educating the public, when most people turn on the TV set or the radio, they want to be entertained. As a result most programming consists of movies, plays, music, comedies, game shows, and sports events. Some of these offerings are of low quality, but, on the other hand, many are fun to watch and interesting, written and presented well. Even though the mass media can be misused, most of its effects are positive. We are all influenced by television, movies, radio, magazines, and newspapers, and if we are careful to examine their message critically these can all be benefit to our lives. The main point the author tries to make in this passage is most probably that ______.