How do media affect the identity and self-image of six to eighteen-year-olds? The goal of this study is to determine whether the Internet and television have an influence on children and adolescents as a means of socialization.
"Today, socialization is no longer conceivable without media; it takes place under the sign of an active subject who deals with the media from an early age, uses them purposefully and makes use of them to shape his everyday life, to examine, expand, revise the value and norm structure of his social environment, his personality and life concepts." This statement exemplifies the (ever-increasing) role of media in socialization. Particularly noteworthy here is the Internet, which offers many opportunities for self-expression in addition to research and communication. In addition to the Internet, television is an important medium for humanity and thus also for this study.
Often the media use by children and young people is judged critically by scientists. For example, media would have a negative influence on development and are manipulative. However, socialization research hardly deals with the increasing importance of media. Dagmar Hoffmann sees the reason for this neglect in the fact that socialization research is of the opinion that there is no reciprocal relationship between people and the media and that media can therefore not be counted as a socialization instance.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions of the terms "socialization" and "identity"
2.1 Socialization
2.2 Identity
3. Media use
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Figures, data and facts on the media use of children and adolescents based on the Shell, KIM and JIM study
3.3 Type of media use by children and adolescents
3.4 Functions of media
4. Influence of media on socialization and identity formation
4.1 Presentation of the selected media
4.1.1 Television
4.1.2 Internet /Smartphone
4.2 Current study results
4.3 Facebook as an example of social networks
4.4 Popularity of "pseudo-documentaries": “Familien im Brennpunkt” and “Berlin - Tag und Nacht” as an example
4.4.1 "Scripted Reality Series"
4.4.2 "Familien im Brennpunkt"
4.4.3 "Berlin - Tag und Nacht"
4.5 Television as a negative influence on self-image and trigger for eating disorders
4.5.1 The image of women in the media
4.5.2 Television as a trigger for eating disorders
4.6 Interim conclusion
5. Random sampling in an open children's and youth facility
5.1 Survey
5.1.1 Questionnaire creation
5.1.2. Evaluation
5.1.3 Gender differences
5.1.4 Comparison of children and adolescents
5.2 Conclusion of the survey
5.3 Interviews
5.4 Conclusion of the interviews in connection with the survey
Objectives & Core Themes
The main objective of this thesis is to investigate whether and how internet and television usage acts as a socialization instance, specifically influencing the identity and self-image of children and adolescents aged six to 18.
- The role of mass media as a source of orientation for identity formation.
- The impact of "scripted reality" television formats on the perception of reality and conflict resolution.
- Gender-specific differences in media usage and role model identification.
- The relationship between media consumption, self-staging in social networks, and individual well-being.
- Empirical analysis of youth media behavior in social institutions and its potential risks, such as eating disorders.
Excerpt from the Book
4.5.2 Television as a trigger for eating disorders
A study by the International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television (IZI) in cooperation with the Federal Association for Eating Disorders examined the role of television programmes in the context of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia from the point of view of those affected. The survey of 241 people who are currently undergoing treatment for an eating disorder shows: "Especially Germany's Next Topmodel can exacerbate the psychosomatic disease. For almost a third of those affected, the programme was decisive for their own disease development."159 It can have fatal consequences to see how young, pretty and above all very thin girls get negative criticism for their bodies. The respondents state that they have been following the programme since their youth, and some of the younger ones have been watching it since primary school.160
"Nearly a third of respondents, especially younger girls, say GNTM has had a "very strong impact" on their own eating disorder. Another third see at least a "slight influence" of the show on their illness. A majority of respondents (85%) agrees with the statement that GNTM can increase eating disorders."161
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the relevance of media in modern socialization and outlines the core research question regarding the influence of media on youth identity.
2. Definitions of the terms "socialization" and "identity": Establishes theoretical definitions of socialization and identity, positioning media as a contemporary social influence.
3. Media use: Examines current data on media consumption patterns among youth and the functional roles media play in their daily lives.
4. Influence of media on socialization and identity formation: Analyzes how specific media formats, particularly scripted reality and social networks, impact identity construction and self-image.
5. Random sampling in an open children's and youth facility: Details an empirical survey conducted in a youth facility to validate theoretical assumptions regarding media behavior and peer influence.
Keywords
Socialization, Identity formation, Media usage, Adolescents, Internet, Television, Scripted Reality, Self-image, Social Networks, Facebook, Peer Group, Role Models, Eating Disorders, Germany's Next Topmodel, Youth Research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The work examines the role of digital and traditional media, specifically the Internet and television, as instances of socialization that shape the identity and self-image of individuals between the ages of six and 18.
What are the primary media topics explored?
The thesis focuses on the influence of television programs (such as scripted reality series and casting shows) and social media platforms (like Facebook) on the development of youth.
What is the central research question?
The guiding question is: "How do the media affect the identity and self-image of six to 18-year-olds?"
Which scientific method is utilized in this work?
The author combines a review of existing media studies with a self-conducted empirical survey and qualitative interviews in an open children's and youth facility.
What themes are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers theoretical definitions, current media usage statistics (e.g., Shell, KIM, and JIM studies), the impact of scripted reality series, and the psychological effects of idealized media representations.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include socialization, identity formation, media usage, scripted reality, youth research, and the potential negative influence of media on body image and self-perception.
How do scripted reality shows like "Berlin - Tag und Nacht" influence adolescents?
The study finds that adolescents often perceive these shows as realistic and use them for orientation, yet the impact is complex as they serve as spaces for peer communication rather than direct imitation.
What role does "Germany's Next Topmodel" play in the findings regarding eating disorders?
The research indicates that for a significant portion of those already struggling with eating disorders, such shows can act as a trigger or exacerbate their condition due to the focus on unrealistic beauty ideals and harsh criticism.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Laura Römer (Autor:in), 2016, Socialization of children and adolescents through media. Influence on identity and self-image, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1184351
