The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers Essay Example

Drugs, stealing, Alcohol… For most people ‘teenagers’ would be the first thing they think of when faced with these 3 words. The media has created this stereotype and image that has majorly affected Teenagers today and how those around them picture them. Why is it that we as teenagers get such a negative image in the media? This needs to change. Teens are suffering the effects of the media as it is unfairly portraying them as reckless violent, and destructive.  It is viewed in a negative light that is humiliating to youth and weakens their self-esteem. Although being nice and helpful in the community is portrayed positively in many areas of the media, it does not receive enough attention, nor is it as common of an occurrence. Good morning/evening to all here today at the 17th annual International Youth Media Summit. My name is Grace Coles and I’m here talking to you today because the representation of teenagers in the media is making them suffer. I’m trying to change the way teenagers are seen and viewed In the media in the future in hopes of making a positive difference.

One of the most significant issues that today's teenagers encounter in their daily lives is media. Society's portrayal of the average teenager is flawed, displaying misleading stereotypes that have become too widely accepted. Teens have been labelled as "abusive, thieving, and downright dangerous" and referred to as "thugs" in a current affairs newscast. The mere use of these terms creates an unfavourable stereotype. The difficulties created by a small number of teenagers should not be exploited to define and marginalise teenagers in society. "Veteran cops describe the teens' crimes as "extremely violent," according to an article titled "Melbourne teen gang leaves a trail of violence and destruction." Giving society a reason to fear teenagers. These misconceptions rob teenagers of a variety of opportunities. Causing them vulnerability in our society. The media portrayed this tiny group of teenagers who were involved in minor acts of disturbance as representative of all young people. 

How has news articles made teenagers feel by their stereotypes?  Unfortunately, this isn’t thought upon enough when creating articles such as ones about teenagers. Teenagers will express multitudes of emotions regarding how they are treated in society. Media stereotypes can rob them of jobs, experiences and future aspirations. Feelings as mild as disappointment too as extreme as depression can come from media stereotypes. “Give us the f---ing money.” The language used in the media had described this small number of teenagers, involved in illegal acts, as a representation of all teens. All teenagers should be seen as the individuals they are and not considered to be a part of a large group of people to be judged and ridiculed.  The effect it has left on teens is devastating and needs to be fixed.

Teenagers need to be represented better in the media. The media’s current negative views of teenagers have caused so many problems for teens and their identities and their ability to succeed in the future. Being a teenager should not be viewed through a lens where recklessness and immaturity are the only notable attributes. Just like any age group, teens are human beings learning to adjust to a new stage in their life. They should be depicted as individuals, not stereotypes. If the media was to focus more on the positive things teens do, it would far better impact them now and in the future. Although the minority of teens should still be called out for their wrongdoings they should be acknowledging that not all teens are like this.

The media has created society’s view in a very negative way and has created stereotypes around that thought. In so many multimedia platforms this same theme is reoccurring, and it is so unfair their language describing the age bracket is appalling and repulsive. This needs to change, a positive view on teenagers needs to be made more common. Being a teenager should not be viewed through a lens where recklessness and immaturity are the only notable attributes. Just like any age group, teens are human beings learning to adjust to a new stage in their life. They should be depicted as individuals, not stereotypes. Not all teens are the same and they don’t deserve to be treated in a way that they have done something wrong that deprives and robs them of their future.