Teen Girls and the Media

Paper Summary:

Because of its pervasiveness, mass media such as magazines and television programs are increasingly in a position to influence the behavior and attitudes of teenage girls. In fact, television programs such as ER and sports-oriented teen magazines have been lauded for providing girls with positive role models. Unfortunately, these programs and magazines remain the exception rather than the rule. Rather than promote healthy lifestyles or give positive role models, much of the media targeted to teens are both physically and psychologically harmful. This paper examines two of these main effects the promotion of unhealthy habits and lifestyles and the growing tendency of these media forms to sexualize teens and turn them into consumers.

From the Paper:

"This need to conform to unrealistic body standards infects girls at a progressively earlier age. A recent study of 12,000 children between the ages of 9 and 14 show that media's influence on girls' dieting and weight concerns equaled the influence exerted by parents and peers ("Weight concerns in preteens and young teens influenced by media..."). This represents a change from just a decade ago, when parents and peers were the biggest socialization factors in an adolescent's life."

More papers on Teen Girls and the Media:

• Term Paper # 134241 : "How Media Affects Adolescent Teen Girls"
• Persuasive Essay # 104821 : "Media, Sex and Teens"
• Research Paper # 92107 : "Guilt and Eating Disorders"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: