Adolescence is an important stage of life where individuals undergo significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. These changes shape their identities, which are often shaped by societal expectations, family, peer groups, and the media. Media exposure plays an essential role in forming these expectations and can have profound effects on how adolescents view themselves and others. This article will explore the impact of media exposure on adolescent's understandings of identity, normative behaviors, and social roles.
Identity
The concept of identity refers to who someone perceives themself to be based on various factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, religion, race, personality traits, interests, and values. Media can influence this perception in several ways.
Advertising and entertainment media portray idealized images that promote unrealistic body standards for women and men. Adolescents may internalize these messages and develop negative self-image issues leading to eating disorders or low self-esteem. Moreover, the media can normalize certain behaviors like drug abuse, violence, and sexual promiscuity that contradict traditional values in society. Such exposure can lead to confusion about acceptable behavior resulting in risky decisions with long-term consequences.
Normative Behaviors
Normative behaviors refer to actions considered appropriate within a specific context. Media exposure can create a distorted sense of what is 'normal' by glamorizing extreme behaviors and lifestyles. Examples include reality TV shows depicting outrageous antics or celebrity gossip magazines glamorizing destructive relationships. These messages often perpetuate unhealthy behaviors such as addiction, alcoholism, or dangerous sex practices.
Media can encourage conformity to stereotypes about gender roles. Men are expected to be physically strong and emotionally detached while women should be submissive and caring. This binary view of masculinity and femininity can limit adolescent's understanding of themselves and others leading to confusion, frustration, and misunderstanding.
Social Roles
Social roles are the expected behaviors associated with particular identities. Media exposure can influence how individuals perceive their place in society.
Movies and television series showcase successful career paths, luxury items, and materialistic lifestyles without considering the costs involved. As a result, young people may develop unrealistic expectations about wealth and success and pursue careers they don't enjoy or financial goals beyond their means. This pressure to fit into specific social groups can lead to anxiety and depression.
Media exposure has a significant impact on adolescents' understandings of identity, normative behaviors, and social roles. It shapes their perception of who they are, how they should behave, and what they want from life. Adults need to take responsibility for controlling children's media consumption and ensure they receive balanced information that promotes healthy growth and development.
How does media exposure influence adolescents' understanding of identity, normative behaviors, and social roles?
Media exposure plays an important role in shaping adolescents' perception of identity, normative behaviors, and social roles. Adolescence is a critical period for self-discovery and establishing one's identity, but it can also be challenging due to societal pressures that dictate what "good" behavior looks like.