The average teenager spends their days watching television, listening to music, reading books. They have the need to always be doing something fun and exciting, daring and outrageous. But the media plays a huge role in this bold outlook of life.
The media produces television shows, movies and music that are accompanied with stereotypical activities. For slasher movies, the teenagers are always seen doing drugs, having sex, partying it up. In music, its the lyrics that not only rappers, but also teenage sensations, such as Taylor Swift.
The images of teenagers in the media circuit are bad representatives for teenagers in the real world to look up to. Teenagers feel like they must be like these "characters" and "live it up to the fullest." The message that the media provides to teens is negative and makes the hesitant teenagers think they must engage in certain behavior and habits to be seen as "cool."
I think the media should focus on the more important teenage images, and stay away from the images of sex, drugs, partying. The movies, especially horror/slasher films show teenagers at their worst, and may steer teenagers into the wrong direction. Music also plays a huge part, and lyrics of the same content sends a negative message out too.
Sure the movies, music and books may be entertaining, but the media circuit should focus more on other teenage habits, such as sports or academics. Healthier habits shown may be very beneficial to everyone.
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I definetly agree that the media steers teenagers in some negative ways. I also agree that teenagers are very impressionable and they are most likely going to do whats 'cool' as opposed to was 'right.' But always keep in mind that correct decision making begins at home. It's up to people's families and friends to teach them what's morally correct and more important to focus on. When the teenager gets to the point where they are forced to make the decision on whether they are going to doing what is morally pleasing, rather that what's sawying them on t.v.; well that's up to them.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the media has the potential to influence teenagers these days, but I watched a lot of shows when I was a teen myself that had images of violence, drug abuse, and other incidents, and none of it influenced me to follow the crowd.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, I feel that we are responsible for ourselves. I also feel that a lot of what teenagers do involves their home lifestyle as well.
Even still, with media and home life influencing a person, sometimes the person will turn out to be nothing like what they're viewing at all.
I feel that a multitude of circumstances influence teenagers, not just the media.
Yet, you're right, the media could be focused on more positive attributes.
And still, unfortunately, sex sells.
I understand where you are trying to get to but I feel like not all teens fall into this category because of the media.
ReplyDeleteI was a person of my own personality and ways; I never dressed like other people or found it "cute" or "amusing" to do drugs.
This situation is more so leaning towards gullible people who feel like being apart of the in crowd is the way to go.
I could care less!
The media do play a big role in how teenagers and people in general think about their selves. But it is up to the people to have a mind of their own and follow their own values which have been lost for a while. As long as people allow others to control how they think than you will see the media continuing the trend that they have already set.
ReplyDeleteI believe teens will do whatever they want just to fit in. It's not like it’s a new fad, this has been going on for generations. My parents were exposed to these things when they were my age. If the teens are raised right, then there should be no worry. But some teens just don’t care and will do whatever they want. They media also help contribute to their actions. Teens just have to be smart about what they do.
ReplyDeleteThe first example of positive reinforcement that I can think of is "Boy Meets World". The television show gave us a character who struggled with many life decisions but always came out learning the moral and staying straight on the path. Also, the show was fairly profitable, which proves that television shows don't need to focus on drugs and sex to make money.
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