The media has, in its own way, changed people's outlook on life.It is the interface (界面) through which millions look at the world outside. The media claims to describe the "today"， but not all types of media show the truth. With the intention of stressing their point or grabbing greater attention from the masses, the media exaggerates (夸大) things to a certain degree.Not everyone is able to filter_out that element.Most believe everything to be real, especially kids and teenagers.

　　Media sources are so many in number and all of them so convincingly make their point that it is hard to distinguish between right and wrong.Thus while a certain amount of exposure to the media is essential for introducing ourselves to the world outside, excessive exposure, uncontrolled access and belief without thought won't lead us anywhere.They will only make the negative effect of the media more obvious.

　　Media descriptions give rise to stereotypes, affecting your mindset.Advertisements carry subliminal (潜意识的) messages influencing buyers' psychology, or carry direct messages that bear a negative influence.It's not possible to protect yourself completely from the effects of the media, even if you limit the exposure.And these are so many things you see around you, without choosing to watch them.The only way to protect yourself from them is to not allow them to influence you.Don't take media descriptions at their word.Don't believe in them without thinking.Think twice before following or falling for anything.

语篇解读：媒体为了达到某一目的，往往会对人们造成误导，其负面影响很大。因此人们对媒体所传达的信息要进行理智的思考和判断，决不能盲目相信。

　　5．How does the media affect people's health?

　　A．It misshapes people's concept of beauty.

　　B．It disturbs people's sleeping routines.

　　C．It makes people addicted to junk food.

　　D．It raises people's awareness of exercise.

解析：选A　细节理解题。根据第一段中的"The media influences public opinion and impacts the choices that people make.The media has led to a general opinion that thin is in and fat is out ..."可知，媒体影响公众的观点以及人们所作出的选择，媒体导致公众认为"瘦是时尚，胖是落伍"，这使得肥胖的人觉得自己格格不入，于是他们准备饿肚子来减肥，从而导致饮食紊乱。由此可知，媒体会使人们形成有关美的错误观念。故选A。