Discuss at least three changes in socialization related to new media technologies. Explain at least two sources of socialization. How do new social media affect socialization through these sources?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The selected agents of socialization could be parents (primary socialization), peers, schools, gender socialization, marketing, or media. Some points that could be made: Parents are still primary socializers. Children might socialize parents to new media, an example of reverse socialization. Media can perpetuate and enforce gender socialization. Media socialization has moved from just TV to include the Internet, which is more active. Children are more exposed to media, almost 11 hours a day. Social media sites such as Facebook and Snapchat lead to stronger influences from peer socialization. There is less expectation of fitting one model for family type because children are exposed to more family diversity through media. Media socialization also allows more direct marketing to children and leads to more socialization into consumption—encouraging more consumption and placing more meaning on consumption. Socialization through media can also reinforce lessons about race, class, and gender by linking consumer choices to one’s race, class, or gender identity, and reinforcing social inequalities through consumption.