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When we think about the media we consume, we often stick to what's familiar. We watch shows and movies produced in our own country, consume news tailored for our cultural bubble, and browse social media feeds that reflect our own experiences even if the news is not about our group, that’s just how it works.

So what are the challenges that might come up when you try to consume more foreign media? What’s stopping you? I would like to take a bunch of guesses as to why and how you might get over that.

One major challenge is language. Not everyone speaks multiple languages fluently, and subtitles or dubbing may not always be available. However, with the rise of streaming services and online platforms, it's become easier than ever to access foreign media with subtitles or dubbing. We can also seek out media that uses visual storytelling, making language less of a barrier.

Another challenge is cultural differences. We may not always understand the cultural context or references in foreign media. But this is where the real growth happens. We can take the time to research, learn, and ask questions. Try making a bunch of online friends, go into discord servers of people talking about their own culture or making art expressing it. If you are into photography, game development, making movies, art, etc. explore that kind of art in other regions, research it, learn how it developed and understand the context.

I know it might be difficult or off putting and might come off as rude, asking people questions about their culture in what they might conceive as an inappropriate manner. But remember most people out there are already open to such inquiries, that is why they put themselves out there in the first place.

Now why do I think that you should consume foreign media responsibly? What do I even mean by that?
First of all, anything that we consume is created intentionally. It all comes down to what the reason is. And there are a bunch of questions that you need to keep in mind when consuming foreign media. Is that media created by a foreign government or is it independent? Would they want to pass on certain messages to the intended audience of this piece of media? Is that message malicious? Is it obvious or subliminal? Like you can play call of duty 4 modern warfare and be like this is media about the middle east but is it though? Why does it choose to depict Americans, Arabs and all other ethnicities involved in the way that it does?

Like I said, all of these questions have to be just in the back of your mind while watching, especially when it comes to political and controversial topics. Think of it as keeping a watchful eye while you are enjoying the piece of entertainment that you are consuming. It is basically just a warning to consume it carefully.

Humans prefer to know about opinions similar to their own, that fit within the preconceived notion of how the world is or should be. Humans also prefer relatable things, that’s why social media applications recommend them, because they are easier to consume and keep the users around longer. But have you ever stopped to think about what we might be missing out on?

By limiting ourselves to familiar forms of media, the same movies, directors, actors, singers, games, etc., we're only getting a narrow view of the world. We're essentially putting ourselves in a cultural bubble, where our perspectives are shaped by a single narrative. It's easy to get caught up in our own cultural norms and biases, without realizing that there's a whole world out there waiting to be explored.