Mass Media's Relationship with Adolescents' Values and Behaviors: A Theory of Mediated Valueflection
Date of Award
1-7-2010
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Jim Ainsworth - Committee Chair
Second Advisor
Dr. Don Reitzes - Committee Member
Third Advisor
Dr. Lesley Reid - Committee Member
Abstract
Mass media has long been thought to have a detrimental effect on an adolescent’s values and behaviors. Many social ills including violence, misogyny and negative health behaviors, as well as egoistic cultural values have been attributed to mass media’s influence. Yet the media is not all powerful, nor are its powers unable to be combated. In this manuscript, I analyze the Educational Longitudinal Study data from 2002 to 2006 to determine the real effects mass media has on adolescents in comparison to other influences. I find that not all media is equal in influence. Television and video games have different relationships with a teenager’s values and behaviors in comparison to internet use. Additionally, I find that when parents are involved with their children as significant others, they do not negate, but can typically counteract many negative effects of media.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/1347101
Recommended Citation
Richards, Melanie Burleson, "Mass Media's Relationship with Adolescents' Values and Behaviors: A Theory of Mediated Valueflection." Dissertation, Georgia State University, 2010.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/1347101