The Influence of Media Advertising on Teenagers – Essay

 

Introduction

Advertising affects teenagers in various ways, many of which are negative. Teenagers become attracted to various forms of advertisements. As they grow older, they encounter more advertisements, thereby affecting their personalities. Children are surrounded by advertisements during every stage of development. Extensive research conducted has revealed that teenagers play a key role in various markets owing to their purchase and consumption patterns (Berger 2011).

The major motivation behind teenage purchases is the influence that originates from advertisements posted on magazines, newspapers, and the internet (Kirsh 2010). According to research, teenagers are the top consumers in America, contributing about $150 billion every year through purchase of goods and services (Schudson 2013).

A study conducted by Music Television (MTV) revealed that many teenagers are attracted to advertisements and programs that include provocative features related to sex, antisocial behavior, and violence (Schudson 2013). In addition, the study found out that many adolescents proceed to model different actions and behaviors depicted on such commercials and TV shows. Similar studies have provided results that various companies and organizations use in developing marketing strategies for their products and services.

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the negative effects of advertisements on teenagers and the various ways in which parents and teachers can mitigate the influences. Negative influences of advertising on teenagers include embracement of unhealthy eating habits, lack of self-esteem and confidence, perpetuation of violence and stereotypes, propagation of drinking and smoking, enhancement of teenagers’ propensity to risk, and development of anxiety regarding their body images (Berger 2011).

It is important for parents and teachers to educate teenagers regarding the effects of advertising on their well-being. Parents should limit the amount of time that their children are exposed to advertising that affects them negatively.

Negative influences of advertising on teenagers

Teenagers are constantly exposed to advertisements that have negative influences on their eating habits, personalities, attitudes, and behaviors (Gunter & McAleer 2005). Different forms of advertisements are embedded in movies, films, plays, and internet programs that teenagers watch. The main aim of these advertisements is to influence teenagers into buying certain products so that companies can increase sales and loyalty to their brands.

1 hour!

The minimum time our certified writers need to deliver a 100% original paper

LEARN MORE

Through the influence of advertisements, teenagers buy into the culture of letting other people decide the attitudes they develop, the clothes they wear, the foods they eat, how they behave, and how they treat other people (Kirsh 2010). Advertising influences teenagers easily because adolescence is a critical stage in the development of identity as well as personal ideals and values. Teenagers behave in ways that increase chances of acceptance and validation among their peers.

Product and service companies spend billions of dollars in marketing and advertising every year. Their main target is teenagers because young people are easily influenced and as such can be convinced to subscribe to herd mentality (Kirsh 2010). Young people buy anything that is described as trendy and fun. It is easy for companies to alter their beliefs and attitudes by constantly presenting their products to them on TV, the internet, and other media platforms.

Several companies use celebrities to endorse their products because they are sure that by so doing, teenagers would be influenced into using them because of their admiration for celebrities and their glamorous lifestyles (Kirsh 2010). Advertising affects several aspects of teenagers’ lives including their psychology, physical well being, behaviors, attitudes, and personalities.

Governments, parents, and teachers are doing their best to ensure that teenagers are not affected negatively by advertising. However, the billions of dollars set apart by companies for marketing and advertising undermine their efforts. The government should impose strict regulations in order to compel companies and media platforms to avoid advertisements that affect teenagers negatively.

Anxiety regarding body image

Advertisements create a sense of anxiety in teenagers about their body images that makes them feel inadequate (Kirsh 2010). A common method of marketing used by companies is making teenagers feel inadequate and awful about their bodies. To accomplish this goal, companies use thin female models and well toned m

Our Advantages

Quality Work

Unlimited Revisions

Affordable Pricing

24/7 Support

Fast Delivery

Order Now

Custom Written Papers at a bargain