The Influence of the Media on Teenagers' Handling of Everyday Situations

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The Influence of the Media on Teenagers' Handling of Everyday Situations

Media not only has an influence on today’s society but also more accurately, shows how teenagers may be handling every day situations through the news and TV programs. Story ideas come from a writer’s interests, responses, experiences, and knowledge (Douglas 20). The most popular TV show among teenagers today is Dawson’s Creek, whose characters are based on a young man’s life. Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter, developed the show using autobiographical material. Therefore, his subject matter shows what issues are facing society and how they are handled.

Every Wednesday night at 7:00pm millions of people ranging from the ages of young teens to early twenties sit down to watch the hour-long television show, Dawson’s Creek. This show is based on the every day trials and tribulations of four juniors in high school. From the start the main character, Dawson, had to deal with the many problems that teenagers are facing today. Such issues as his parents getting a divorce, drugs and alcohol, and sex. The three other characters, Pacey, Dawsons best guy friend, Joey Dawson ex-girlfriend, and Jen.

The TV drama’s last season had on every show something dealing with sex. All four of the main characters have encountered the subject in a variety of situations. In previous shows last season, Dawson was forced to deal with his mom’s messy affair, but now that saga has ended the obstacle for him is Eve’s constant influence to have sex. Joey has been pressured to have sex since the first season. Pacey and his girlfriend just broke up because she slept with another guy. Jen has earned the reputation of the experienced girl who gets around. Dawson’s Creek shows that society condones and accepts the way teens are handling the issue of sex by taking part in it and encouraging it.

In the beginning of this new season the purpose of the new character that is introduced, Eve, is to seduce Dawson. The word seduce is very strong, but incredibly accurate for describing her actions.

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