'In the world of today, media has become as necessary as food and clothing. It has played significant role in society, especially amongst teens. Media was considered as the "mirror" of the modern society, but has proved to be quite the contrary’
Teenagers are exposed to all sorts of media, from television, movies and advertising to social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Media isn't positive or negative; however, teens should have a healthy balance between media and other activities.
It's no secret that media has had a negative impact on the way teenage girls measure their personal image and beauty standards. The sizes of supermodels and actresses often influence teenage girls who are seeking to find an identity to believe they have to be thin to exemplify beauty. Magazine advertisements encourage teenage girls to think their hair needs to be long or short, red, blond or brunette whatever the magazine says, in order to be considered beautiful.
Movies and television often show characters using drugs and alcohol and engaging in violent or sexual behaviors. At a stage when teens want greater freedom and independence, the glorification of drugs, alcohol, risky sexual and violent behaviors in the media make it hard for teens to make good choices. Still, media cannot only be blamed for teens' consumption of drugs and alcohol, or involvement in sexual activities. It's up to parents to teach their teens about the negative consequences that come with risky behaviors, and the fake images often portrayed in the media for money.
Media does not only bring bad results however. Teens can learn to create social interactions with their peers through involvement in social media. usually, friendships on social media sites are extensions of face-to-face relationships. Social media also allows teens to make new friendships, which brings them access to bigger networks and provides even greater learning and social opportunities.
