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Question:

According to social learning theory, we learn from what we see others get
rewarded/punished for. Consequently, what special responsibility does the news media have in
reporting and covering such events as teenage suicides, kidnappings, and drive-by shootings?
What responsibilities do athletes have to their young fans? Who are the models you admire most
and how have they affected your behavior?
Answer:
Social Learning Theory is a psychological school of thought first developed by Albert
Bandura that considers behavior as learned, not innate. Under this theory, babies and children
learn behavior by observing those around them. Their perceptions of these behaviors and
whether the behaviors are rewarded or punished determines what behaviors they choose to
duplicate throughout their lives. Each childs perceptions of the behaviors they observe can be
interpreted and internalized differently, thus the differences in behaviors between siblings
(Berger, 2014, p. 28). Children are most likely to model the behaviors of those who they consider
nurturing, powerful, and yet similar to themselves (Berger, 2014, p. 223).
If one is to believe this school of thought, a moral imperative is thus imposed on our
actions, knowing there is a distinct possibility of these behaviors being repeated by our children
and those around us. For those on television where their actions are exposed to millions, the
responsibility is monumentally greater. In the case of the reporting of teen suicides, kidnappings,
and drive-by shootings, the medias responsibility and influence is undeniable. If these atrocities
could be perceived as rewarding due to the massive attention they garner or the monetary payoff
(as with kidnappings), their influence can create repetition of the behavior by those seeking

similar attention or rewards. This repetition has been seen with teen suicides, where one suicide
creates a domino effect for others in the same geographic area. This is referred to as a suicide
cluster (National Research Council, 2013). Research has shown that the way the media reports a
suicide has a significant impact on the likelihood of creating a copycat effect of subsequent
suicides. If the suicide is reported on the front page of media and thereby glamorized, subsequent
suicide rates increase. However, if the media portrays the death in a way that does not convey
acceptance, suicide rates decrease (National Research Council, 2013).
Similarly, athletes and celebrities are under equal obligation. They often have millions of
fans who follow their life activities. If their example is that of immorality, drug abuse, physical
abuse, or other similarly negative behaviors, those who admire them would be forced to either
accept their lifestyle as tolerable or cease to admire them. When a role model elicits intuitively
negative behaviors but does not appear to receive any consequence for these behaviors and
instead, is rewarded by money and fame, it is difficult to make sense of the disconnect. Instead, it
is simpler for our brains to believe those behaviors once considered negative to be acceptable
and even desirable.
For myself, those who I have admired over the years are those who illicit behaviors I
wish to develop and exemplify. My father has been a significant role model for me. Although his
overall personality is undeniably imperfect, his example of service, hard work, attentive
listening, and humility have influenced me to strive to exemplify these behaviors and provide a
similar example for my own children. Attentive listening does not come naturally to me. I have
to work hard to remember that my children often need a listening ear much more than an earful
of advice.

I do not personally see social learning theory as an explanation of all human behavior.
However, I believe there is sufficient evidence to suggest its efficacy in explaining a significant
portion of human behavior. Therefore, it is highly important to monitor our own actions as they
can have significant impact on those around us.

References
Berger, K.S. (2014). Invitation to the life span (2nd ed.). New York, NY: World Publishers.
Council, National Research. (2013). The contagion of suicidal behavior. Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207262/

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