Modern Drift of Societal Values: Materialism, Media, and Capitalist In
Answer:In modern society, changes in values are observed under the influence of several key factors that are closely linked to both material and ideological shifts. Firstly, there is the impact of material well-being and a consumer lifestyle, where the focus shifts from deep spiritual foundations to fulfilling material needs and the immediate acquisition of "life's goods." For example, one source states:"Now everyone is their own 'Rembrandt' and expresses themselves however they wish through their personal online gallery. There is even a strong suspicion (we add as our own comment) that any movement, any search and hint of consciousness and spirituality may completely cease, vanish from the world once each individual, without any efforts, begins to receive at home the full amount of 'life's goods.' ... We are being sucked into the mire of shifting moral values! We consider divorce as a ready alternative to marriage, and abortion as a matter of personal freedom rather than life and death. Our society has devalued life, and this has led to the devaluation of the family."(Source: link txt)Secondly, there is a transformation in the perception of religious and spiritual benchmarks, especially among the youth. Religion is increasingly seen not as a means to approach something higher, but as a tool for personal development, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and an assurance in one's own perfection. This leads to traditional value systems gradually losing their significance. As highlighted in another source:"Young Americans today perceive religion not as a way to approach God, but rather as a therapeutic means serving their personal development. This view of Christianity has led to repentance and faith in Christ being replaced among young people by a sense of self-sufficiency and an awareness of their own sinlessness."(Source: link txt)Moreover, changes in values are also influenced by the overall reformatting of the social and family environment – the impact of advertising, mass media, economic realities, and stressful factors. For instance, the influence of advertising, the portrayal of mass culture, and even negative behavioral examples picked up from television contribute to shifting moral guidelines from traditional to superficial and material. It is noted:"There are no longer any of these protective systems and moral values; children have to adapt, adjust, almost independently developing some new forms of behavior—not only in terms of pleasure but also in coping with the difficulties they face... Advertising, again the economic factor, plays a very significant role. Children learn by observing certain examples, and these examples come from our mass culture, television."(Source: link txt)Finally, another important factor is the influence of the ideology of the modern capitalist system. Here, the emphasis is placed on the prioritization of material achievements and economic efficiency, which leads to the destruction of traditional spiritual values and the distortion of their original meaning. This is reflected in the following excerpt:"We live in the most deceitful society, in which the internal mechanisms are hidden. This is connected to the realm of money, an impersonal, anonymous, inhuman power... In reality, the bourgeoisie triumphant in the capitalist period of history destroyed these values and distorted them, turning them into a compliant tool for their own interests."(Source: link txt, page: 204/205)Thus, the shifts in values in modern society are driven by a complex array of factors—from a materialistic mindset and the influence of advertising to the transformation of religious consciousness and the dominance of capitalist ideals—together leading to a fundamental shift in traditional moral and spiritual principles.Supporting citation(s):"Now everyone is their own 'Rembrandt' and expresses themselves however they wish through their personal online gallery. ... Our society has devalued life, and this has led to the devaluation of the family." (source: link txt)"Young Americans today perceive religion not as a way to approach God, but rather as a therapeutic means serving their personal development...." (source: link txt)"There are no longer any of these protective systems and moral values; children have to adapt, adjust, almost independently developing some new forms of behavior.... Advertising, again the economic factor, plays a very significant role." (source: link txt)"We live in the most deceitful society, in which the internal mechanisms are hidden... the bourgeoisie triumphant during the capitalist period destroyed these values and distorted them, turning them into a compliant tool for their own interests." (source: link txt, page: 204/205)