The Ethical Impacts of Media Productions on Adolescent Interactions Introduction As the demographic cohort of children born after 1995, also known as “Generation Z,” embarks the education system and in the job market, many factors surrounding the effects of technology and social media are being questioned. An American consulting firm known as BridgeWorks predicts that "Generation Z" will supply approximately 61 million workers to the American job market over the coming decades (CNBC). With the emergence of this large workforce, the inclusion of media and video platforms in daily endeavors cannot be ignored. Despite some criticism of modern video productions and media themes, the power and presence of technology forms an impenetrable wall that continues to resist, for better or worse. It is highly unlikely that the use of social media and video platforms on technology devices will decrease. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an Original EssayIn fact, a PEW Research Center survey found that 95% of American teens have access to a smartphone and 45% of teens say that they are online almost constantly. The question then arises: do videos, news, publications and media have a beneficial or harmful impact on the decisions, ethics and mental health of American youth? While it is certainly true that modern technology and media can positively influence young people by helping them communicate quickly, giving them access to a wealth of information and allowing them to express themselves and their opinions; Modern media also notoriously impacts adolescents by increasing the risk of substance abuse, increasing rates of depression/suicide, and reducing self-esteem. Substance Abuse In late 2017, a historic music trend was broken, to the surprise and dismay of many passionate rock music fans around the world. By 2018, hip-hop/R&B/Rap music had surpassed rock as the most popular music genre according to leading market research and data analytics company – Nielsen Holdings PLC (Business Insider). This development also raised the long-standing debate about the correlation between rap music (videos) and drug use among young adults. Denise Herd, assistant dean of students at the University of California, Berkeley's school of public health, said the dynamics and themes of rap songs have changed "from warning songs, like those that highlight the dangers of cocaine and crack, to songs that glorify the use of marijuana and other drugs as part of a desirable hip-hop lifestyle” (HealthDay News). Along with Herd's statement regarding the glorification of drug and alcohol abuse, the University of California at Berkeley released additional data showing that in 1993, 69 percent of rap songs and music videos included references to drugs and that the average teenager was exposed to 30,732 drugs. references per year (Pennsylvania State University sites). This has caused outrage among many Americans regarding the unethical and illegal nature of underage drug abuse and its negative effects on adolescent growth and development. Contrary to popular belief; However, although rap music and videos have pushed the idea of ​​increased substance use among American youth, many other factorssuch as the legalization of marijuana (in some US states), the easy availability of fake ID cards, and the glamorization of the media have also contributed. to this increase.Mental Health, Depression and SuicideWith the recent release of many popular but controversial television shows, music videos and digital video productions, cases linked to higher rates of depression and suicide have come to light. Recent data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young Americans ages 10 to 24 (CNN Health). Experts say rising rates of anxiety, depression and suicide may be closely correlated with the emergence of a new era of social media that glorifies serious mental illnesses in an effort to be "accessible" and appeal. a wider adolescent audience. Numerous research sources contain data showing that American youth have not only become vulnerable to believing sensational digital depictions of mental illness, but in many cases are also willing to replicate the dangerous and threatening actions taken by fictional characters to feel “connected” to the cause. The recent release of a Netflix production titled 13 Reasons Why has sparked outrage among concerned parents and the media due to its glamorous depiction of serious mental and social issues such as suicide, rape and bullying. In fact, "research shows that exposure to another person's suicide, or to explicit or sensationalized accounts of death, may be one of many risk factors for young people experiencing mental health problems cite it as the reason they are considering or attempting suicide,” said the National Association of School Psychologists in response to the 13 Reasons Why publication (CNN Health). Many parents are concerned about their children's safety following television shows and songs exploring themes similar to those in 13 Reasons Why. While it is true that a television show cannot be the sole trigger for increased suicide rates, it is certainly a contributing factor that can lead many teenagers to make life-threatening decisions. Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence A major topic of discussion regarding social media and video productions has been an issue of self-esteem and self-confidence, particularly among young American women. As technology and media creators advance, it becomes increasingly difficult for viewers to separate fiction from fact in terms of the body images and ideals they are exposed to on social media and in many shows television. Usually, the ideal female form that is “advertised” on social media and television platforms changes with time and trends; therefore, many women are pressured to match these glamorous beauty standards, even though they are unrealistic and difficult to achieve. This has been true both locally and globally. In fact, a study of around 1,800 women (aged 10 to 46) conducted by the University of South Australia found a direct correlation between increased use of social media platforms and feelings of peer pressure. women. adopt and act according to the thin ideal (ThriveWorks). For many women, these unrealistic standards can cause them to feel insecure in their own body and face, which can lead to a lack of self-esteem and confidence. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get.