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  • Essay / Media Influences on Adolescents: Social Norms and Identity

    Adolescence is a period when an individual's sense of identity begins to emerge and the majority of their social norms are perceived. Nowadays, teenagers live in a world heavily overwhelmed by media, which plays an important and usual role in teenagers' lives. In a national survey conducted in 2009, adolescents spent on average more than 7.5 hours per day using media (Rideout, Foehr, Roberts, 2010). With this unprecedented access to the world, individuals learn and connect with many different people and ideas through media (Brown and Bobkowsi, 2011). Since different forms of media play an influential role in adolescents' lives, their perceived social norms can be seriously influenced. “Adolescents are influenced by the content they are exposed to, regarding their knowledge of the world, their attitudes and values, and their behavior” (Steinberg, 2012). Media could give rise to a negative perception of social norms for individuals, as adolescence is an important period in which a sense of identity emerges. These assumed norms can impact or dictate an individual's identity. These false norms can be avoided through education and awareness. This is why young people should learn the mistakes of the media through MLE (Media Literacy Education). Social norms are beliefs or rules put in place by society to define what is considered appropriate behavior. or clues. In our modern society, everyone is expected to adhere to the same set of rules, especially teenagers. Media can change or structure an adolescent's interests, motivations, and worldviews. Researchers have also argued that descriptive norms are the most significant indicators of risky behaviors (Beal, ...... middle of article ...... dia could lead to a negative perception of social norms for adolescents since adolescence is a vital period of identity These assumed norms can impact or dictate an individual's identity at this particular period of self-concept. Research has shown that media can contribute to a. Adolescent's negative perception of norms regarding drinking, relationships, sex, and other mature topics. Adolescence is the time when an individual searches for and develops a sense of false social norms. perceived through the media can have a negative influence, as the adolescent's identity is most susceptible to the influence of avoided peers through education and awareness, which is why young people should learn. media errors through MLE (Media Literacy Education).