The local PTA has asked you to address their parents about the effects of media on adolescent development. They are most concerned with the effects of television and the Internet on their adolescents' well-being. Explain to these parents what you know about media in the home, the types of activities for which adolescents typically use the television and Internet, and the impact of sexual, drug-related, and violent messages and images on adolescents.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary, but should note the following: Almost all American households have at least one TV and access to a computer and the Internet, regardless of family income. In fact, on average, adolescents spend nearly 9 hours each day using one or more forms of media. Given that adolescents spend an inordinate amount of time using media, researchers and parents have questioned whether this exposure has had a negative impact on teenagers' behavior and development. One thing to keep in mind is that it is difficult to separate cause and effect because adolescents choose which mass media they are exposed to and interpret the media based on their preexisting attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. As such, though studies may show that playing violent video games and violent behavior are linked, for example, it could be the case that adolescents who are more prone to violence may be more likely to play violent video games. Clearly, there are negative sexual messages conveyed in media suggesting that women are sex objects, sex is a defining aspect of masculinity, sex is a competition, and sex is fun and exciting. Although questions remain about whether exposure to sexual media content alters adolescents' sexual behavior, many studies demonstrate that repeated exposure affects adolescents' attitudes, beliefs, and intentions. Teens are also constantly exposed to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes in media, with advertisers specifically targeting adolescents because of their discretionary income and influence over their parents' household spending. Studies of exposure to ads for alcohol and tobacco, as well as antismoking commercial messages, have shown that they are effective in changing teenagers' attitudes in both directions. However, it is hard to know whether changing adolescents' exposure to messages about drinking and smoking actually changes their behavior. The most compelling set of findings on media exposure appears to be in regard to violence, with research showing that repeated exposure to violent imagery may lead to aggressive behavior, especially for those who have a history of aggression. In particular, although careful studies have shown that playing violent video games does not make adolescents more aggressive, numerous studies have shown that repeated exposure to violent imagery on television leads to aggressive behavior in children and youth, especially among those who are predisposed to behave violently. Also, of special concern is the impact of the media (particularly print media) on girls' self-image concerning physical attractiveness-the current messages about physical beauty and thinness have led to serious problems with girls' self-image and eating habits. Last, to the extent that time spent on the Internet and watching TV displaces time in physical activities, media does indeed have a detrimental impact on an adolescent's physical health.

Key Points:

a) Media sources are ubiquitous.

b) The relationship between media exposure and adolescent behavior is typically correlational, so no conclusions can be drawn about which causes which.

c) Evidence links viewing violence on television with aggression.

d) The media are more likely to affect teens' attitudes and beliefs than their behaviors with regard to sex and drug use, but sex messages are conveyed, such as women are sex objects.

e) The media have a dangerous effect on girls' self-image and eating habits.

f) Internet and TV can have a detrimental impact on physical health.