The Façade of Teenage Dreams

Many people wonder why teenagers today have begun to act out of character, mistreat people around them, and even stay up on the latest trends, this is happening because, “Teens are naturally curious about other people’s lives and want to know how their own life compare” says family therapist, Lori Gottlieb (14). Considering that teenagers are curious about the lives of others can become disastrous since reality television is what they compare their lives with and reality television is not always real. Reality television shows negatively distort its viewers’ sense of real world relationships. However, distortion can begin in the commercials shown on television today. Studies have shown, "The attractive models that are used probably encourage the viewer....to develop preferences for the advertised products" (Golberg and Gorn, 1978).

Television’s content today has gotten incredibly dirty and contains content to detrimental for children. There have been advances in technology attempting to stop the violence from entering households with children. However it is still the responsibility of the media and the television industry to control the amount of immoral content shown on the air. While the media is only keeping up with the public’s distasteful demands, it has a responsibility to restrain the amount of offensive content because of the effect it is having on today’s audiences. Consider the trajectory of sitcoms: strong and wholesome family values once promoted in past shows such as Leave it to Beaver and Andy Griffith have developed into the semi-dysfunctional and carefree family values of the present day.

Lastly, a major concern pointed out by the respondents was teenagers and college students can learn sexual misconduct. This is dangerous because unsafe sex practices can result to sexual transmitted diseases. Overall, the temptation of our youth’s surroundings does not stay in control while they are exposed to improper behavior seen on reality shows.

Vo 2 These shows are more about entertainment rather than educational purpose. What parts of it would have influences on teenagers? In fact, people who create Real World, Road Rules, and Tom Green are careless, disregard and irresponsible about the negative consequences. In other words, parts of show have wrongly carved out the youth's world and their perspective. In some way, the shows have passed along the improper role model to the American teenagers.

Media is affecting teenagers greatly because it displays abundance of violence, and inappropriate scenes as well as unhealthy living conditions, making teenagers believe that such behaviors are acceptable in our society. Mass media has become a major negative influence in the society, especially on the younger generation's attitude, beliefs, and values.  Nowadays, the first thing that ... ... middle of paper ... ...ns using drugs and alcohol and engaging in violent behaviors.  The mass media has a huge impact and role in shaping the opinions and positions of everyone particularly the younger generation. Media have been taking over our lives as we try to wear, act, behave, and even make our opinions based on the celebrities we love.

The Role of Television, Movies, and Music in Lives of Teenagers Television, movies, and music are playing major roles in most (if not all) of the lives of teenagers. Although teens may feel that they are simply meant to entertain, these media deeply affect their minds and how they think and react to various situations. How can they possibly be dangerous? They are only sources of unrealistic entertainment. In my opinion, television, movies, and music are definitely responsible for teen violence today.

Media Effect on Today’s Youth Media plays a strong hand in the development of a child in society. Youth are easily influenced and could think actions of unsavory morals are appropriate because it was in media. This is a major problem today as the news make reports of children intentionally committing crimes as big as murder. Children are experimenting with drugs and alcohol at an earlier age and there is even a show dedicated to teen moms on MTV. Of course, media is not the only force at fault here as peers and parents are just as much to blame as media.

For example, one of the great examples that talks about violence in media is SpongeBob Squarepants. It is because SpongeBob that shown on television will corrupt teenagers’ mind (Kazakhstan, 2014). The main character in SpongeBob Squarepants will exact aggressive actions to others in his own community and seems enjoyable for his actions. Hence, the more time those teenagers spend time on then the greater impact on teenagers. Furthermore, one of the effects after teenagers has watched those video games or movie is cyber-bullying.

As they watch televisions frequently, their worldview and value are built up. In other words, televisions give education to the youngsters. However, under the situation that the mass media goes more and more commercialized the ethics among the industry is usually overlooked. The messages of violence, salacity and incorrect value directly affect teenagers’ values and thoughts. Televisions affect teenagers in three dimensions namely buying behavior, physical health and psychological health.

Reiss, Steven and James Wiltz. “Why America Loves Reality TV.” Psychology Today. Sept-Oct. 2001. Academic Search Complete. Web.