Influences of Media on Adolescents Behaviour and Development

Abstract

 Adolescence is a period between childhood and emerging adulthood. It is a period of tremendous change i.e. biological, psychological, and social. The process of globalization has allowed for a level of connectivity that was not possible only a few decades ago. One demographic that has especially been influenced by the growth of media is adolescents. The aim of the study is to examine the influences of media on the behavior and development of adolescents and explore the beneficial and harmful effects of media (print/electronic/social) on respondent’s behavior and development. This is also to help identify how teachers, policymakers, and parents can promote the healthy use of the media in our society. In this study, the researchers selected the private and public schools of district central Karachi as the universe. The population of the study was students/adolescents in the age bracket (12-14). Systematic and random sampling techniques of probability sampling were used to collect data through structured interview schedules from 367 respondents in District central. The method of the interview involved reading and explaining questions to the respondents and recording their answer on sheets. The finding of the study reveals that the respondents spent most of their time (85%) on social media, don’t like outdoor activities, and want to follow the characters they watch. The data shows less parental control on media use, due to economic activity, and most respondents created their social media accounts having been influenced by their peers. It has seven sections including; meaning and definition of adolescence, theoretical perspective, and influence of media, objectives, methodology, findings, and recommendations