What does the Reflection Hypothesis state about media?

• A. Media reflects the values and norms of the time period it was created in
• B. Media is independent of the time period
• C. Media shapes future trends ignoring current norms
• D. Media is solely entertainment with no social reflection

Answer: (A)

The Reflection Hypothesis treats media as a mirror of its society. It says that films, news, TV, and other media express the values, beliefs, social roles, and concerns that are present during the time they’re created. You can see this by noticing how stories, characters, and issues reflect what people are thinking or worrying about in that era—whether it’s attitudes toward gender, politics, class, or everyday life. The point is that media reflects the social climate rather than existing independently of it. While media can influence audiences or push boundaries, the core idea of this hypothesis is that its content aligns with the surrounding culture and norms of its time.