Ecology of the
Mass Media
Mass Media influences
values, beliefs, attitudes
and behavior
Media are shapers,
spreaders, and
transformers of
culture
Politics, economics, and
technology all affect the
broadcasting industry
Media can change,
enhance, or
interfere with
experiences
Broadcast media is
regulated by the FCC
Federal Communications
Commission & FTC Federal
Trade Commission
Main emphasis =
Entertainment
TV Broadcasting has
changed sleep habits,
meal time, use of leisure
time, and conversation
patterns.
Theories how screen
media influences
children
Social Cognitive Theory=
Bandura-children observe
role models behavior
on screen
Cultivation Theory=
Gerbner- media contents
affects viewers beliefs
about world and
alters behavior
Motivation Theory=
Rubin-impact of media
depends on how media
are used and individual
abilities and characteristics
of the user
Displacement Theory=
media used for
entertainment may displace
important developmental
activities
How have TV & Movies
affected our lives
Children spend
3-5 hrs per day
with little supervision
Affects their
interpersonal
relationships
Physical= less
physical activity =
obesity
Psychological= factuality
& social realism / Violence
portrayed as harmless/
The more TV children
watch, the more accepting
they are of aggressive
behavior
Young children have
trouble distinguishing
reality from fantasy
Concern that time spent
watching TV has been
responsible for decline
in reading levels and
scores
Books and Magazines
Is the primary basis
for information about
education, religion,
& government
Most American
parents are not
reading to their
children
Books enhance=
language, reading
skills, comprehension
& cognitive development
Computers
More than 2/3
have access
to computers
at home
Children are
influenced by
internet
messages
Protect our homes - Alma 50:23