For this activity, you will conduct a mini-historical analysis. First, consider a topic of interest to you. It could be a broad topic (such as video games, movies, advertising, etc.) or something more specific (such as presidential speeches, teens and smart phones, media coverage of protest in sports, etc.). Whatever would be interesting to you!
After you've settled on a topic, search for four to five news stories from the past about this topic. Choose stories that are at least five years old (so published in or before 2019). The NexisUni database provided by the library is great place to look! Once you've got your articles, use the following prompts to guide you through this activity:
- Why did you pick this particular topic?
- How challenging was it to find news content about this topic?
- What expectations did you have about how this topic would be discussed in the news?
- What are some of the key themes that emerged?
- To what extent were you surprised by what you read?
- What other approaches, sources, etc. would you employ to continue to research this topic from a historical analysis perspective?
Historical Analysis of Media Coverage of Social Media Influence on Teenagers
Introduction
In this historical analysis, we delve into the media coverage of social media's influence on teenagers. This topic was chosen due to its relevance and impact on society, particularly on younger generations. By examining news stories dating back at least five years, we aim to understand the evolution of discussions surrounding this issue and uncover key themes that have emerged.
1. Why This Topic?
The impact of social media on teenagers is a significant societal issue that has gained considerable attention in recent years. As a prevalent aspect of modern life, social media plays a crucial role in shaping the behaviors and attitudes of young individuals. Understanding how this topic has been portrayed in the media can provide valuable insights into societal perceptions and concerns.
2. Finding News Content
Finding news content about this topic was relatively easy, given the abundance of articles discussing the influence of social media on teenagers. Platforms like NexisUni provided a wealth of resources, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of past news stories.
3. Expectations
Before delving into the articles, expectations were set for a mix of perspectives ranging from highlighting the positive aspects of social media to addressing potential risks and challenges associated with its use by teenagers. Anticipations were also centered around the evolving nature of discussions over time.
4. Key Themes
Several key themes emerged from the news stories, including:
- Mental Health Implications: Discussions on the impact of excessive social media use on mental health, such as increased levels of anxiety and depression among teenagers.
- Cyberbullying: Coverage of cyberbullying incidents and the role of social media platforms in facilitating such behavior.
- Parental Concerns: Articles addressing parental concerns regarding their children's online activities and strategies for responsible social media usage.
- Educational Impact: Exploration of how social media influences academic performance and learning outcomes among teenagers.
- Regulatory Measures: Discussions on the need for regulations to protect teenagers from harmful content and online threats.
5. Surprising Findings
The extent to which mental health implications and cyberbullying were consistently highlighted across the news stories was surprising. The depth of coverage on these issues underscored their significance in the discourse surrounding social media's influence on teenagers.
6. Further Research Approaches
To continue researching this topic from a historical analysis perspective, additional approaches could include:
- Longitudinal Studies: Examining trends in social media usage among teenagers over an extended period to understand shifts in behaviors and attitudes.
- Interviews and Surveys: Gathering firsthand accounts from teenagers, parents, educators, and experts to gain diverse perspectives on the topic.
- Comparative Analysis: Contrasting news coverage from different time periods to identify changing narratives and priorities in discussions about social media and teenagers.
Conclusion
This historical analysis sheds light on the multifaceted nature of media coverage regarding social media's impact on teenagers. By exploring past news stories, we gain valuable insights into the evolving discourse surrounding this topic and the key themes that have shaped public perceptions and concerns. Continued research and analysis are essential to further understand and address the complex interplay between social media and teenage development.