INFLUENCE OF MEDIA

The Influence of Media on Children



Abstract

Media has a substantial impact on children, as indicated by various studies. In this essay, we will be discussing the influence of media on the life of children because of their extensive usage of violent television programs, and video games that impact their behavior and development.

The Influence of Media on Children

Introduction

Several studies have indicated that media has the greatest influence on the life of children than any other variable such as family or friends because children spend much of their time on media, which includes television, video games, and cartoon shows. Media has greatly impacted the growth and development of children negatively. However, media can have a positive impact on the life of children if it is used properly with the assistance of parents, but people do not have the current knowledge of using this medium for the positive development of a child. In addition to that, it has been observed that total media consumption over the past few years has changed only little, which suggests a source of stability in effects on development (Naigles et al. 2001).

In this essay, we will be discussing the influence of media on children, i.e., negative impact on the child. In addition, we will also be discussing the most influencing factors on the life of children caused by media.

Discussion

Today, children are immersed in the culture of media through television, videos, computer games and the Internet. They spend most of their time in front of a screen that has become part of everyday life for most families (Murray 1998).

Television is one of the favorite activities of children, estimated that television encourages at least 10% of youth violence. Although some stations contain certain restrictions, these are not always appropriate for all ages. The violent video games are the most popular. Such videos exposes children to violence. It has been shown in various studies, that these videos increase the levels of aggression in young people and children. In addition to that, the music contains lyrics that often refer to sex, drugs, alcohol and violence. The heavy music and rap music have glorified violence. The greatest dangers of exposing children to violence and sex by the media are as follows (Linebarger et al. 2004):

Cause aggressive and antisocial behavior.

The media can promote aggressive behavior that can make people believe that violence is a good solution to solve the problems.

Create a false sense of reality. Younger people do not always discriminate between real life situations and fantasy that goes on TV.

Reinforces irresponsible sexual activity. Children who are exposed to sex through television have started a double share in a sexual relationship.

Causes in children a sense of the world as giving them a dangerous side about the world.

Produce numb and causes a lack of compassion for the suffering of others.

Expectations and solutions to the problems of race and relationships between women and men.

Television is one of the media that has the greatest influence ...