The Ethical Behavior Of American Teenagers

Many researchers of late have noticed a decline in the moral and ethical behaviors of American teenagers. Some attribute these changes to what they think will be a passing fad, but others think it is a permanent change wrought by the negative effects of media, be it movies, internet, or social media platforms. Whether or not we are looking at the short or long-term effects of these media platforms, we can see they are making a difference in the lives of American teenagers, for better or for worse. The internet and many media platforms allow people to connect with others and learn many new things; media could allow our generation to be one of the most educated and connected ever. However, it exposes teens to things they won’t see otherwise

Morality isn’t a clear-cut fixed line for all people, it is subjective and changes in different cultures and societies. In the 18th century, George Washington wrote his laws of civility. While most hold true to today, many have been changed or even ignored as technology has advanced. Examples of this are his 81st law,” Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.” With the introduction of social media, almost nothing is completely private. There are many instances of leaked privacy that ruin peoples lives. While it is often dependent on a malicious software or vindictive ex-friends, it still stands that media is at its heart. Studies as well as personal experience of many people show that teenagers act more impulsively online. This leads to more injured feelings, confused minds, and misguided hearts. When teens are given the power they have online, without a grounded morality outside of the digital universe, their sense of right and wrong, good and bad, shifts

While it may not be in all cases, close family ties help point teens in the right direction. Aric Sigman cited a relation between increased internet use and decreased communication between family members and friends. So if both of these hold true, then, as teens rely on and use technology and media more, they distance themselves from their positive sources of conventional morality, and, often, surround themselves with sources that have negative influences. As teens further depend on and spend time with media, they are pulled from the good, grounded influences in their lives. This leaves their perception of morality to the diverse and extreme views created, posted, or illustrated by people they may have never