By: Mariam Williams
We all tend to take some time off from our chores to relax and recharge our energy. There is no doubt that movies and T.V. shows play a role in our life; it helps us escape the tiredness and boredom in our lives. Though mostly intended for entertainment, the media highly influences the behavior of human beings. I would like to discuss the effect of the media on the demographic division of children, teenagers, and adults.
There is no doubt that toddlers are the most fascinated and attached to the TV. Even though it gives parents a break from babysitting, most parents are often concerned about the amount of time their children spend in front of screens. Children are more moldable and are greatly influenced by the things they see and hear. Children all over the world are becoming victims of the same violent acts they witness on TV. Superhero movies relay a message that the only way a hero can solve a problem is through violence. This proclivity towards violence tends to show up at schools, where students get into fights with other kids instead of solving their differences in a more civil matter.
While teenagers tend to show some maturity over the issue of violence, there is a separate gamut of factors in the media that influence them. The media has greatly affected the choices of one’s career. Today’s rock concerts and social media apps create the impression that becoming a rock star or a video jockey is the best profession in the world. Numerous teenagers are drawn into this whirlpool, and sometimes it’s too late when they come to realize that the online wonderland represented in the media is not reality.
Adults watch television mainly for entertainment and to relax after a long day at work; however, they too are being bitten by the media bug without even realizing it. Advertisements and commercial breaks between T.V. shows have many negative effects on adults. For example, seeing a famous actor riding in a Porsche would probably propel their instincts to go for a similar car even though they might not need it. Also, more than half of teens said they often find their parents or caregivers distracted by their electronic devices when these youngsters try to have a conversation with them.
Hence, I feel that the media influences everyone, whether it’s a toddler, teenager, or adult. I have only mentioned some of the negative effects of overusing television and other screen time in search of a solution. Children will benefit more from decreased use of screen time, which will also help improve their attention span and overall academic performance. It would also give parents more time to bond with their children and understand them better. Using screen time in moderation is not the issue; it is only when they are overused and abused that they become a problem.
Gavel 