‘MEDIA SHAPES SOCIETY’: Seminar at FAC calls for critical thinking & social awareness

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 9

The Department of Sociology, Fazl Ali College (FAC) in collaboration with Mokokchung Press Club organized a one-day seminar on Media & Society at Conference Hall, Fazl Ali College on April 9.  

Limalenden Longkumer, President, Mokokchung Press Club as the main speaker spoke on “Media and its impact on community dynamics,” where he emphasised the profound impact of media on shaping societal beliefs, behaviors, and ideologies. 

Longkumer began his talk by began by asserting that “media shapes society,” noting that most of what people know—whether about local issues or global affairs—comes through media channels. 

He highlighted how everyday slang and modern expressions such as “Rizz,” “lowkey,” and “flex” are picked up from media rather than textbooks, underlining how media deeply influences language, values, and worldviews.

Drawing attention to the role of both global and local media, he noted that while international platforms inform people about conflicts and politics across the world, it is the local media that reflect the realities of life in Nagaland. “Global and national media tell you about the big world outside. State and local media hold a mirror to the life you are living every single day,” he said.

Longkumer criticised the lack of national attention to local issues such as unemployment, corruption, suppression of free speech, misuse of customary laws and the culture of apology letters which is the reality of the society we are living in. He stressed that local media brings these issues to light and plays a crucial role in pushing for social change.

Citing examples from Nagaland, he illustrated how media coverage has challenged taboos, such as questioning church leadership or encouraging entrepreneurship among the youth. “Media not only shows you the world—it also gives you the power to shape the world,” he asserted, calling upon students to be not just consumers but creators of meaningful media narratives.

The MPC president in his concluding note posed five questions to all the sociology students of Nagaland: Why does our society still uphold superstitious beliefs? Why does our society fail to punish corruption and reward integrity? What must we do to overcome tribalism and village-ism? Does religion have any social value? If yes, why does society not practice the teachings of the religion it professes? Why are scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and social awareness of important issues lacking in the larger Naga society?

“If any of you could investigate these questions and share your findings with us through the media, then we would have had a successful and meaningful seminar today,” he concluded.

Earlier in the programme, Dr Adangla Changkija, HOD, Department of Sociology, FAC welcomed everyone to the seminar and Dr I Wati Imchen, Principal, FAC also gave a short speech. The seminar witnessed a long hour of Q & A session with the speaker and members of MPC. 

The seminar was attended by sociology students of Fazl Ali College and Jubilee Memorial College, faculty members, and members of Mokokchung Press Club.