Article Written by Modenie
In our society, the media plays an important role in the information we view around the world. I believe that getting information from the media is a tool that young and old can use, but its content makes the difference. In media exposure, mature viewers may know the difference between reality versus imagination (Troseth & DeLoache, 1998) as compared to non-mature viewers. In a study conducted by Coates and Goodman (1976), it was found that those children who were already high in aggression showed more aggression after viewing the film “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”. At the same time, prosocial behavior also made an impact on the children’s behavior once positive reinforcement was used interchangeably (Coates & Goodman, 1976).
Media may not influence a child’s behavior, but the content will. For example, the content is important in violent video games among players who were already exposed from viewing violence in their communities, peers, and families. Colburn (2011) explained that violent video games can be used to engage players in social learning. He added that there could be a positive outcome using video games as a learning tool meaning that the format or content of some video games can influence a child’s behavior towards being positive or negative (Colburn, 2011). Educators can use the media or video games to practice social change. A student can practice many skills that they have learned from using video games and the positive feedback they receive can help them aim to have better memory and pro social skills (Colburn, 2011). For example, a player can use points that they’ve received from the game towards mastering a skill to help them become proficient in vocabulary.
Furthermore, the media can benefit a child to learn a skill proficiently. However, Rice et al. (1990) suggested that a child does not learn vocabulary from television. An interactive outlet such as video games or group study may be a better option to practicing verbal skills. Media messages can be prosocial or lead children to become antisocial (Wilson, 2008). The time children spend being exposed to the media can affect a child’s development. I also believe that children’s age plays a major factor in the content as younger children may not fully understand between fiction and non-fiction. Therefore, anyone can use media as a tool, but its objective is what makes the content more valuable to bring a positive or negative outcome in a person.
Coates, B., Pusser, H. E., & Goodman, I. (1976). The influence of “Sesame Street” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” on children’s social behavior in the preschoolLinks to an external site.. Child Development, 47(1), 138-144. DOI: 10.1111/1467-8624.ep12432723
Colburn, M. (2011). The effects of violent video games on adolescent aggression and behavior through the perspective of social learning theoryLinks to an external site.. Perspectives (University Of New Hampshire), 108-115.
Rice, M. L., Huston, A. C., Truglio, R., & Wright, J. C. (1990). Words from ‘Sesame Street’: Learning vocabulary while viewingLinks to an external site.. Developmental Psychology, 26(3), 421-428. DOI: 10.1037/0012-1649.26.3.421
Troseth, G. L., & DeLoache, J. S. (1998). The medium can obscure the message: Young children’s understanding of videoLinks to an external site.. Child Development, 69(4), 950-965.
Wilson, B. J. (2008). Media and children’s aggression, fear, and altruismLinks to an external site.. The Future Of Children, 18(1), 87-118.