media

Question 1

describe the increase in exposure to various forms of media in adolescents over time

Answer 1

• 90%+ online daily, with 25% report being online almost constantly
• 10% have pathological video game playing behavior

Question 2

compare and contrast the ideas behind cultivation theory, the uses and gratification approach, and the media practice model in terms of how they explain the role of media in adolescent development

Answer 2

• theories of media influence
• cultivation: youths’ interests/motives/beliefs are influenced by media
• gratification: users play role in selecting the media they are exposed to
• practice: interests drive media and its interpretation

Question 3

describe methodological complications regarding the empirical assessment of the impact of media on youth - give examples

Answer 3

• morality of exposing adolescents to possibly harmful media
• consent and assent to such exposure
• possibility of them already being exposed to such media

Question 4

provide examples of what “problematic social media use” might entail, and what proportion of adolescents report these behaviors

Answer 4

• can drive upward social comparisons, anxiety and obsession over rewards (likes)

Question 5

describe the evidence surrounding the “controversial arguments” on the effects of media on adolescents, including violence, sex, drugs, social media, and well being
explain why such arguments exist