Paige Trutna
Interpersonal Communications
September 25, 2017
Video Media
How does video media influence adolescent/teen development?
One of the main ways that video media influences teens is the way it might make them want to change something about themselves or their lifestyle. This can be good or bad, depending on the teen.
When we did the TV programming discussion in class, one of the most surprising things I took away was that most teens, at least here at Lincoln Lutheran, wanted shows that had more positive themes and messages. They said that they liked when shows had a lesson in them, like Full House, or even Disney Channel shows. I guess I was always under the assumption that most teens liked shows that were violent and had some sex. When I heard this point, I was really glad, because just like the teen representatives in our discussion, I like shows that have a positive message, even if they are a little bit cheesy. Additionally, shows with positive themes could affect teens in a good way. If they see something happy or something they can learn from on TV or any sort of video media, they may want to copy it, and it could inspire them to be a better person.
While TV can influence teens in a positive way, I think that it can influence them in a negative way as well. Take 13 Reasons Why, for example. This is one of the most popular shows on Netflix, and it depicts suicide in a gory way, just for entertainment. Even if you don’t think that the show will influence you in a bad way, “our recommendation would be to have your child forego watching this series” (Why We Don’t Think Teens Should Watch 13 Reasons Why). I personally would take this advice. I myself didn’t watch the show because I didn’t think I could handle it.
While a lot of people say this show bad, some people think that it is important for teens to watch the show, because it gives them a better grasp of suicide and what it really is. “I respect anyone’s choice to not watch the show, however, I found it to be an important series to view” (13 Reasons Why You Should Watch 13 Reasons Why). While I can see that it is important to be exposed to suicide and its effects, I don’t think this show did it in an appropriate way. There are many ways to learn about the world’s problems, none of them in this gruesome of a way. Also, if teens watch this show, they could be majorly influenced, and in a bad way. The thought of suicide will always be in the back of their mind, maybe not as something to do, but just as something that they saw as entertainment. They will never really stop watching the series. This could potentially make them have more negative thoughts about life, and their outlook will never truly be the same.
Not only can fictional TV shows like 13 Reasons Why influence teens, but reality TV shows can too. This can be positive or negative, depending on the show. On the negative side, shows like Dance Moms and even Survivor can come to mind. Tom Green, a writer for the Huffington Post and a ex-reality TV star, says that “the easiest way to win the competition for eyeballs in the digital age is to broadcast bad behavior. People like watching train wrecks.” In addition, he argues that reality TV is affecting our society, and making us think that bad behavior is rewarded with a reality show. If teens see bad things depicted on these shows, they will want to copy them, especially if the bad behavior doesn’t have consequences.
On the flip side, some people, like James Poniewozik, think that reality TV is great quality TV for families. He thinks that “reality TV has also become the new version, and maybe the last bastion, of primetime family viewing.” He argues that even though reality TV can be violent and sexy, some shows (like The Voice, MasterChef, Chopped, and the Amazing Race) are very family oriented and can be good viewing for families, especially with kids. Furthermore, reality TV is prime entertainment for families and even though it can be bad, Poniewozik says that he watches reality TV all the time with his kids, and believes that it can be good.
Whether reality TV is good or bad, it can influence teens. It can make them more competitive or make them feel like if they behave badly, they will have more people to relate to. But it can also make them more confident in themselves. If they see things being depicted on TV that are bad, and they know that they don’t do those things, their self confidence could be boosted majorly.
Another thing that could influence teens in video media is ads. We watched a few car commercials and looked through magazines to find what lifestyles ads were promoting. Some were promoting the “rugged warrior” lifestyle, some the “family fun” lifestyle, some the “health freak” lifestyle, and many more. If teens see these ads and like the product they are portraying, they may want to change something about their lifestyle in order to fit in with the stereotype of the product in the ad.
Like I said, teens can be influenced by video media, but it depends on the teen. I’ve watched some shows on Netflix that could’ve influenced my outlook majorly, but I don’t think they have. My personality and interests have changed a little bit because I watched these shows, but I think that’s inevitable. TV shows that I’ve watched haven’t influenced the person I am at my core. On the other end of the spectrum, I know people who have watched shows (like 13 Reasons Why) and have been influenced. Their outlook on life will never truly be the same, and that’s because they’ve seen TV shows, videos, movies, or even advertisements that have made them want to change something about their life.
In conclusion, I think that teens can be influenced by video media. It can make them want to change something about themselves. However, this depends on the show and the teen. Some teens can be influenced in a good or bad way, and some can simply just watch TV without it having an effect on them.