What Influences you?

Written By QK Family Foundation

In an age dominated by social media discussions, traditional media often gets sidelined, yet its influence on youth mental health is profound. This blog post dives into the critical role that traditional forms of media—film, television, music, and even video games—play in shaping the mental well-being of young people aged 13 to 25.

The developmental phase from ages 13 to 25 is crucial as the prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and impulse control, is still developing. Traditional media acts as a primary environmental factor influencing this process. Chronic exposure to violent and fast-paced content can alter not just behaviors but can also impact neurodevelopment, potentially leading to deficits in self-regulation. For instance, a longitudinal study showed that high exposure to TV violence at age eight correlates with a higher likelihood of arrest in adulthood, indicating a long-lasting cognitive cost linked to the weakening of behavioral inhibition control.

Traditional media provides young people with behavioral scripts, essentially blueprints for how to act in various situations. This concept, rooted in social learning theory, highlights how frequently depicted behaviors in media can lead to real-life mimicking. The portrayal of substance use in films and music has been shown to align closely with actual youth substance use data, demonstrating the powerful influence of these narratives.

While social media often captures the spotlight regarding youth mental health, distinguishing the risks of traditional media from those of social media is vital. Traditional media primarily poses risks through its content—violence, unrealistic ideals, and desensitization—while social media's risks arise from its mechanics, such as algorithms and constant social comparison, leading to anxiety and depression.

It’s important to note that traditional media isn’t solely detrimental. Quality narratives can foster empathy and emotional intelligence, encouraging perspective-taking skills through immersive storytelling. Interestingly, even some video games, particularly first-person shooters, can enhance spatial thinking skills, which can be beneficial in STEM fields. This underscores the importance of active mediation by parents, who should co-view media with their teens and engage in non-judgmental discussions to help them process what they see.

The conversation around youth media consumption should focus on content hygiene and media literacy. It’s crucial to teach young people to choose content based on quality and depth rather than mere sensationalism. The concept of eudaimonic quality content—content that provokes deep moral thinking rather than just fleeting thrills—should guide their media choices.

As traditional media continues to shape foundational scripts for body image, conflict resolution, and more, it’s essential to recognize its role alongside social media in influencing youth mental health. By fostering media literacy and promoting high-quality content, we can empower young people to navigate their media consumption thoughtfully.

Key Takeaways:

1. Traditional media significantly impacts youth mental health, particularly during critical developmental years.

2. Chronic exposure to violent content can lead to lasting cognitive deficits and behavioral issues.

3. Media provides behavioral scripts that influence real-life actions, especially regarding substance use.

4. Parents play a crucial role in mediating media consumption and fostering discussions around content.

5. Promoting eudaimonic quality content can help guide youth towards healthier media experiences.

Tags: Youth Mental Health, Traditional Media, Social Media, Media Literacy, Behavioral Scripts, Eudaimonic Content, Parenting, Media Impact, Neurodevelopment.

QK Family Foundation
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