Media Impact

AEE 440

Philosophical Direction
Technology is more than machines -- it

is a way of thinking
Discourse in the classroom is focused
more on how to than why
McLuhan said that the medium is the
message
New media often generates their own
market - need to exist

New Media Change Social Values

Objectives of the technology are

imbedded within the technology

Computer speed is influencing how
people define intelligence (response
speed)
Impact of technology on teaching and learning: Social, cultural and political
perspectives

TV Impact on Learning
Easily reinforced
Attractive/seductive

information source
Models are effective and interesting
Unconscious effort of viewers

Media Education
American Academy of pediatrics (AAP)
Committee on Public Education

Media Youth Education

Media represents both advantages and health

risk for children
The average child in the US spends >21
hours per week watching TV
This does not include time on the Internet,
video & computer games, watching movies
Time with media displaces creative, active, &
social events

Aggressive Behavior

More than 1000 studies concluded that

exposure to media violence increases risk of
aggressive youth behavior

News reports of bombings, natural disasters,

and violent crimes can traumatize young
children

Some Media Statistics

By the age 18 -- average US child will

have viewed 200,000 acts of violence

on TV
On average 20-25 acts of violence are
shown on Saturday morning cartoons
Media violence is especially damaging
to children under age 8 - cant
determine fact from fiction

Sexual Content
Average child is exposed to

14,000

sexual references per year

Few deal with responsible sexual
behavior
- such as birth control or abstinence

Tobacco & Alcohol

Tobacco

companies spend $6 billion a

year promoting
Alcohol companies spend $ 2 Billion
Leading movie characters promote the
use of both alcohol and tobacco
products on screen

Nutrition
Increased use of TV has led to a

sedentary youth population

Obesity in youth and childhood diabetes
is growing phenomenon this country

Positive Impact of Media Campaign

Thirteen weeks after the start of anti-

drug campaign
Youth were more aware
Drugs seem scary to youth
Thought about health effects of drugs
Helpful to non-users
Media has less impact than peers

How TV Violence Misleads Youth

Violence is often rewarded and seldom

has negative consequences

Violence is everywhere
Violence is justified
Violence is funny
Violence is pleasurable

Which Young people are

susceptible to media violence?
If youth identify with one of the

characters
Interpreting what they see as realistic
Personal fascination about the
characters on a violent show.

Media Education
An educated public has the ability to

interpret and determine the purpose of

the message
Educated public can make educated
decisions regarding media selection
Educated public allows for positive and
prosocial exploration of media uses

A Media-educated Person
Understands Media Messages:
Are all constructed
Shape our understanding of the world
Individuals

interpret media messages

uniquely
Powerful economic implications

A Media-educated Person
Will limit use of media
Make positive media

choices
Select creative alternatives to media
consumption
Develop critical thinking and viewing
skills
Understand the social, economic and
emotional implications

Media Education Helps Students:

Become less

vulnerable to negative
aspects of media
Evaluate content more critically
Change intentions to drink

Pediatricians Should
Encourage parents to select appropriate

programs for youth

Co-view and discuss content
Limit media time
Be good role models
Emphasize alternative activities
Create electronic free zone in childrens
rooms

More Recommendations AAP

Urge parents to avoid TV for children under age

of 2
Pediatricians should not use TV in waiting rooms
Pediatricians should alert and educate parents,
school officials, other professionals
Pediatricians should encourage state and federal
officials to develop media education programs
Pediatricians help to increase funding for media
education research

What impact does media have

on you as a. ?
Consumer?
Parent?
Learner
Employee/employer
Your project?

References

http://www.4children.org/news/1-97toxl.htm
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/childhealthmonth/me
dia.
htm
http://www.4children.org/news/1-97toxl.htm
http://www.mediacampaign.org/newsletter/fall98/
update17.html