Sir,

It is said that media today acts as a “mirror” to the society. Media is an inseperable part of youth’s life. Historically, newspapers were the most common of media, but today cell phones and other electronic devices have taken over all forms of communication. Youth today depend on the media for information on everything the latest gadgets, fashion trends, the newest cars in the market or to find out what their favourite celebrity is up to. Media controls the minds of the youths like a “giant remote control”.

Studies have also shown that, certain group of youths are prone to violence because of media influence. Even the use of alcohol and drugs are creeping in at an early age. Youths often watch commercials that plant a seed of thought into their minds about what they have to buy and use as opposed to what they actually need.

Fashion magazines are also to blame for their glossy covers show-casing models with so-called perfect bodies that youths idolize and work towards, while of course compromising on their health. According to a recent poll, 22% of youths log on to their favourite social media site more than 10 times a day. Thus, a large part of this generation’s social and emotional development is occurring while on the internet and on cell phones.

 Cyber-bullying is deliberately using digital media to communicate false, embarrassing, or hostile information about another person. It is the most common online risk for all youths and is a peer-to-peer risk. Although “online harassment” is often used interchangeably with the term “cyberbullying”, it is actually a different entity. Current data suggest that online harassment is not as common as offline harassment, and participation in social networking sites does not put most youth at risk of online harassment.

RashmiKumari, CEMS-II, PWC, Patna

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