The Influence of Media on Youth
The Influence of Media on Youth Influence of media has increased to the staggering heights. According to the Pediatrics Journal, more than 11 hours of a day is spent on media of a typical teen. While not neglecting the diversified dimensions it has provided, we, here will concentrate on the evils that media influence has caused on the youth. There are several aspects we have to put into consideration while exposing the youth to any media, whether it’s Television or Social. The age limit of a youth is classified from 15 to 24 years, generally. Since the state of selfperception at this stage is on the development level, hence the influence of media becomes greater. It is reported that 53 percent of the American girls (aged 13) are unhappy about their body image. This dissatisfaction goes up to 78 percent when the young girls reach the age of 17. Media is bombarded with the images of skinny models with perfect skin and hair. This has psychologically effected young girls that are heavier and feels unacceptable according to the beauty standards of society. This has also given rise to various eating disorders which generally arise from a simple diet. Showing flawless beauties on media have not only created problems for the individuals for themselves but also on how they view others. Facts reveal that 57 percent of the teenagers are bullied in school for their body flaws. The perfect body image is not only restricted to young girls but also boys, as there is an alarming increase of anabolic steroids as well as dietary supplements for a muscular image. Media Influence is not only restricted to the body image, but also it has heightened the level of violence in the youth. It starts early with the exposure of violent cartoons and videogames. The content of the programs tends to be very disturbing which creates a massive impact on an individual’s values, attitudes and behaviors. According to one research group found in 1969 to assess the influence of violent content, the children suffers from following effects in their adulthood:
Mild to extreme aggressive behavior towards others. Less sensitive towards the suffering of others. Vicious ways of dealing in some cases.
The exposure of media should be under the restriction of the parents or guardians. Though media provides a whole new world to explore yet the adverse effects cannot be neglected. The influence of media in terms of body image, violence, sex, racism and religion is creating a havoc for youth which needs to be controlled.
http://www.researchomatic.com/The-Influence-Of-Media-Violence-On-Youth-7326.html http://www.researchomatic.com/youth-and-violence-in-the-media-24244.html