Mass Media and Its Impact on Youths

As time goes by, one cannot deny the fact that the media is having an increasing effect on youths. Our technologically advancing world makes it easier for these youths to gain access to different forms of media, for example the internet. With the internet, the world is at their fingertips and they can now do almost anything from viewing movies and videos to playing online games. However with the many advantages that the internet provides youths, it has also brought along many disadvantages, and that is why I strongly believe that the youths have been negatively influenced by the mass media.

Statistics from an online website created by the Washington state department of health show the link between movies and the way youths behave, that is, the more violent the movies, the more violent the youths are. When they see their favourite movie stars lighting a cigarette, youths think it is cool to follow suit. When they see the stars punching someone else on screen, they will think it is alright to do the same. From this, it is obvious that the media effectively manipulates and creates false perceptions among youths today that there is nothing wrong in being violent, thus proving that the mass media has a negative influence on them.

However with that said, we must also acknowledge the advantages of mass media. With the internet, youths now have access to tons of information that can enrich the mind and ensnare the senses. This information would complement whatever they learn in school and thus allow them to gain knowledge in many different fields.