Media and Its Collective Impact

Media has a strong way of influencing people and society through the different messages they send. Throughout the world, media is known for sending skewed messages and setting double standards which really affects the way people the world around them. This affects teenagers especially. For example, teenagers have issues with body shaming and feeling comfortable in their skin. According to a body-image study conducted by Common Sense Media, teens who are active on social apps tend to be more preoccupied about how they’re perceived. Teens constantly worry about their aspect and how they are viewed from foreign eyes. This is because media fixes this image and if one doesn’t fit into that perfect image then they aren’t considered “perfect”. Media impacts teens negatively by portraying different substances in a certain light. Through media, teens are exposed to drugs, alcohol and etc. Most parents have taught their children that these have dangerous consequences and they grow up with this fixed image in mind that they are harmful and not to be used. Though media changes this idea. It gives a different representation of these substances. According to a study carried out by Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), teens who spend time on social networking sites may be more likely to smoke, drink, and use drugs. This is because the way media portrays these substances is promoting them and not degrading them.
Media not only affects teenagers but people from all different ages. Media isn’t always negative. It is used to spread information and news that’s happening all over the world. It’s a useful way to be informed and stay up-to-date with different events that are happening world wide.

Works Cited

Caroline Knorr. “Is Social Media Giving Your Teen a Negative Body Image?” Is Social Media Giving Your Teen a Negative Body Image? Common Sense Media, 28 Apr. 2014. Web. 18 May 2015. .

Eagle Ranch. “Resources.” Teenagers And The Media, Media Influence Over Teens. Eagle Boys Ranch, 2015. Web. 18 May 2015. .

Ehmke, Rachel. “Teens and Social Media.” Teens and Social Media. Child Mind Institution, n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. .