Media and Youth
The significant impact of media through its various channels on crucial aspects of children’s and youth’s lives—particularly psychological and social dimensions—cannot be overstated. Below, we outline the key areas influenced by media exposure:
Education
Television often serves as an educator, featuring instructional programs designed to teach children the importance of cooperation and fostering harmony with those of different backgrounds in regard to race and gender, free from prejudice and bias. Furthermore, it encourages them to visit libraries and museums, as well as engage in physical activities—achievements facilitated by educational videos.
Violence
The television screen acts as a portal to countless scenes of violence, including murder, assault, and various other crimes. Research indicates that exposure to such content can lead to increased aggression in children and a rise in suicidal tendencies.
Nutrition
Prolonged viewing of television can lead to a decline in children’s physical fitness due to reduced participation in sports and physical activities. Additionally, there is a noticeable increase in the consumption of high-fat foods while watching television, as advertisements often promote such unhealthy behaviors.
Moral Development
The presentation of unethical media content on television has positioned itself as a form of education for children and youth. Advertisements depict such materials as normal, failing to address the potential consequences associated with immoral behavior.
Understanding Media
Media encompasses a range of tools utilized for communication, including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the internet. Collectively, these mediums aim to influence public opinion on a broad scale. Methods of media can include various forms such as print publication, audio broadcasting, visual media, or digital platforms. Media outlets target diverse areas to provide coverage, including education, entertainment, news, informational sources, and message dissemination.
A Historical Perspective on Journalism and Media
Historically, the 15th century marked the beginning of the printing press revolution, leading to the mass production of newspapers and books. However, the terms journalism and media did not emerge until the early 20th century. In contemporary contexts, it includes sophisticated audio-visual mediums that have played a significant role in delivering entertainment and information, bolstered by technological advancements that have significantly transformed the journalism and media landscape.