36 Part 1 Foundations of Human Development
The media is often blamed for many negative social trends in American society
including aggressiveness and violence, early sexual experimentation, and interest
in harmful substances such as alcohol and cigarettes. Some teen girls’ preoccupa-
tion with body image is often blamed on enhanced celebrity body images seen in
the media. Do media really have such a negative effect on development in youth?
Here is what researchers know. Media affects everyone differently. Your
age, experiences, values, and your media literacy all affect how you interpret a
message. Because no two people are alike in all areas, how media affects devel-
opment will also vary. Media messages can be helpful or harmful to children
and teens. Their effect may not be immediately apparent. When a child watches
a superhero fight, he or she may mimic the actions immediately while playing.
Long-term effects of viewing violence in media may occur over time, however,
as certain messages are frequently repeated. Less is known about long-term
effects, both positive and negative, on the development of youth.
Safety
Connections
While conducting independent
online research, you will be presented
with several sources of information. How
can you decipher which websites are
valid and which are unreliable sources of
information? When evaluating websites,
look for these indicators in the web
address to make sure you are looking at a
safe, reliable Internet source.
• .gov. These websites are a
government resource containing
accurate national and international
information.
• .edu. These websites are for particular
schools and universities. Information is
educational and reliable.
• .org. Information from these websites
comes from a recognized nonprofit
organization and is safe.
• .com. This is the most common
website. Information may not always
be reliable. Check information against
other reference materials for validation.
Research Activity
The next time you are conducting
online research, identify the source of
information by determining the type of
website. Then, read about the organization,
government department, university, or other
source of information to further assist you in
determining the validity of information.
Evaluating Websites
Social Media Interactions
You have befriended a young girl named Anna. You babysat her when she was
younger and have remained her older friend and mentor. Anna is 10 years old, quite shy,
and a bit socially awkward. Most of her friends use social media to keep in touch with one
another. Anna is begging her parents for their permission to let her sign up for a social media
profile. Her parents are hesitant as they worry about the inappropriate advertising and poten-
tially dangerous interactions with adults. They would rather not see another reason for Anna
to sit in solitude, even if that includes interacting online with her peers. They want her to be a
physically active “normal” child like they once were. Anna’s parents asked for your opinion.
• What are the dangers present for children who spend time using social media?
• How might using social media help Anna to develop her interpersonal skills? How
might it hinder her social development?
• Is there an appropriate minimum age for using social media? If so, what is that age?
• Are your ideas based on a personal theory or are they based on something else?
Case Study