The Pros and Cons of Media Influence on Children

The Pros and Cons of Media Influence on Children

Introduction

Many of the theories examined thus far have attempted to measure the effects of mass media on the children. Some of the theories have dealt specifically with the idea of media influencing children than any other variable such as family or friends because children spend much of their time on media, which includes television, video games, and cartoon shows. Media has greatly impacted the growth and development of children positively and negatively. However, media can have a positive impact on the life of children if it is used properly with the assistance of parents, but people do not have the current knowledge of using this medium for the positive development of a child (Naigles et al. 2001). In this paper, we will be discussing the influence of media on the life of children and how it impacts their behavior and development.

Discussion

Pros

Since the main focus is on the children, so let's take an example of a TV show from Pogo Network which mainly telecast children's programs. There is a TV show called MAD that is showed in Pogo Network. The main theme of the program is to educate children with various arts n craft work. The host of the program invites any two random children and they start to work upon some interesting creative work related to arts and craft, which later turns out to be a useful product that children may use. This program has positively influenced children of all age.

However, the commercials that are shown between the break during this TV show are relevant to children's products. These products are children's toothpaste with cartoon characters printed on it, and some commercials belong to chocolates and cookies. These commercials have a strong impact on children. As I remember, when I was a child, I use to feel compel to buy and eat those chocolates that were shown on commercials although I was not very fond of chocolates. Children are more vulnerable to advertisements that are shown on TV than adults (Calvert, 1999). Thus, to quite some extent children's behavior is conditioned by the media.

If we analyze that what is the show all about, and overall how it is influencing the children, then it can be said that this TV show has a positive impact on the children. The host of the program teaches ...