Media and Adolescent Viewers

Paper Summary:

This research study analyzes the effects of media on adolescent viewers. In particular the research attempts to determine what, if any, forms of censorship may be necessary to limit adolescent access to overtly violent or sexual media images. It also discusses what psychological and physical effects such images have on adolescent viewers, both in the short term and the long term.

Table of Contents:
Synopsis
Research Goals & Methods
Discussion
Overview of Major Issues
Literature and Historical Evidence
Sexual Harassment and Media
Violence and Media
Mass Media and Sexuality
Summary of Report

From the Paper:

"Cognitive social learning theory suggests that adolescents viewing negative, violent or overtly sexual behaviors in the media will mimic them when other more appropriate models are not available (Brown, 2002). Modeling also occurs when the model "is perceived as attractive" or when serving some functional values (Brown, 2002). If children are spending so much time in front of mass media images it is likely they will begin to form their own conclusions about what is and what is not appropriate."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barker, M. & Petley, J. (2001). "Ill effects: The media/violence debate." New York: Routledge.
• Brown, J. (2002). "Mass media influences on sexuality." The Journal of Sex Research, 39(1): 42.
• Kilmartin, C., Kliewer, W., Myers, B.J. & Polce-Lynch. (2001). "Adolescent Self-Esteem and gender: Exploring relations to sexual harassment, body image, media influence and emotional expression" Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 30(2): 225.
• King, L., and Emmons, R. (1990). Conflict over emotional expression: Psychological and physical correlates. J. Person. Soc. Psychol. 58: 864-877.
• Strasburger, V. C. (1995). Adolescence and the media: Medical and Psychological Impact. Ballantine Books, New York.

More papers on Media and Adolescent Viewers:

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