PSY FPX 6030 Assessment 2

The Influence of Media Consumption on Adolescent Development

The present generation of teenagers has developed with a variety of various media all around them from their earliest childhood, and convenient access characterizes daily life. Such dependency was reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic when, for example, teaching depended immensely on computers, social contact moved to smartphones, and leisure moved to streaming platforms. Concurrently, social media engagement reached its peak because schools gave students laptops to enhance technology use. This mass media exposure gives rise to a question about the implications of its effects on the social development of teenagers.

Frissen and Eggermont (2016) further contribute that teenagers typically use media for about 11 hours every day, which includes television, video games, tablets, and smartphones. Substantial evidence shows that extensive use of media has profound impacts on the psychological and social development of adolescents, which in turn affects their social worldviewand self-perception (Frissen & Eggermont, 2016). These developmental changes overlap with Erikson’s Identity Development Stage, which occurs between ages 10 and 14, during which media and technology act as agents that promote adult identity acquisition, acting as transitional objects for adolescents (Frederick et al., 2014).

PSY FPX 6030 Assessment 2: The Impact of Media Use on Adolescents 

Moreover, empirical studies link higher media consumption to adverse consequences such as child and adolescent obesity, loneliness, and depression (Coyne et al., 2014). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests limiting screen time to two hours or less per day, with particular emphasis on not having screens in the bedroom since it has a negative effect on sleep quality and academic performance (Hill et al., 2016).

While media consumption has inherent benefits, a need exists to counterbalance this and restrict exposure, particularly to children and adolescents. To this end, our company advocates for implementing Family Media Use Plans aligned with AAP guidelines. In planning together a schedule and a set of media use rules, parents are able to instill healthy media habits that will serve best to promote teen development.

PSY FPX 6030 Assessment 2: The Impact of Media Use on Adolescents 

Hill, D., Ameenuddin, N., Chassiakos, Y. R., Cross, C., Radesky, J., Hutchinson, J., Levine, A., Boyd, R., Mendelson, R., Moreno, M., & Swanson, W. S. (2016, November 1). Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162592/60321/Media-Use-in-School-Aged-Children-and-Adolescents