Despite the primary purpose of films and music as providing a social commentary on specific cultural phenomena and ideals, there is no control as to the direction in which they shape character. In today’s world, movies and music are inseparable media from the teenage population regardless of the prominence of the negative impact they have on the modern teenager (Ragsdale et al., 2014). Apart from the family context, peer influence, and cultural background teenagers develop negative attributes based on the kind of mainstream media that is prevalent.
The Negative Impact of Movies and Music
Movies and music offer ideal representations of what is potentially permissive in the society in the form of recent trends. With increased used of the internet for entertainment and lack of a standardized censoring mechanism, teenagers are exposed to unscreened content of films and music video. Currently, there is no filter on the representation of precarious lifestyles as an esteem booster but rather an unpredictable relationship which will channel the teenager’s adoption of an unappealing character. Teenagers often pick up some unhealthy behaviors that might expose them to emotional and physical harm without considering the rules and norms of the society by which to abide (Ragsdale et al., 2014). Such risky behaviors explains the rising cases of underage drinking and the abuse of drugs that create a lasting addiction. As a group that attempts to establish their positioning in the complex societal system, such experimental endeavors often distract an individual in pursuing a conventional and potentially fulfilling lifestyle.
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With lack of an active parenting role by the primary caretakers and guardians in today’s society, there is an unspoken shift of the role to media influences. Teenagers often face difficult and confusing decision making processes that often require the guidance of an adult. An example is the development of negative body image based on the standards set by musicians and movie characters. With no proper transition with supportive messages and instillation of values that praise character over looks, it is difficult to deal with an esteem based on looks. Most video vixens and main movie characters portray a specific type of outlook when it comes to defining what is desirable to most people.
Music and movie recordings shape physical attraction by amicably seating the standards for beauty and attraction. A teenager that wants to keep aligned to the most recent trends trend will often develop a low self-esteem and develop certain lifestyle habit that may be damaging to their health. For instance, a case where a child starves themselves because they feel that they weigh more than the desired body weight and develop mental and physical health problems that pertain to nutrition and social association (Ragsdale et al., 2014). Especially if the teenager cannot access resources or permission to undergo muscle enhancing or thinning surgeries that are often popularized by the media.
Furthermore, the portrayal of violence as a permissible vice in movies and media creates a thrill amongst teenagers who would want to figure out their standing in the society. Films often portray ideal physical strength showcased in acting out as desirable to peers (Ragsdale et al., 2014). Such individuals engage in violence as per what they learn from the genre of music they listen to and the kind of movies that they watch.
It is undeniable that music and movies have a negative influence on teenagers. With the knowledge that media celebrities have a strong impact on teenage behavior, the stakeholders can use their power to produce desirable characters. Therefore, there is need for television programming to focus on shows that are based on health promotion and sensitization on how the world can be improved through innovation. The emergence of positive role models in film and music industry should be highlighted where the media showcases their hard work, inspirational journeys, and principles.
Reference
Ragsdale, K., Bersamin, M. M., Schwartz, S. J., Zamboanga, B. L., Kerrick, M. R., & Grube, J. W. (2014). Development of sexual expectancies among adolescents: contributions by parents, peers and the media. Journal of Sex Research , 51(5), 551
