Media Messages

The messages we receive from mass media outlets influence the formation of our identities and perceptions.  For tweens, this can be both good and bad.  Take for example drug use.  The use of drugs is portrayed as normal, even cool, in music, movies, and in the off-screen lives of many cultural icons.  Exploited by the media, the lives of young start like Lindsay Lohan, Ke$ha Kaitlan, and many others are portrayed and over-portrayed in a manner that makes it seem as though the use of drugs is normal and exciting.  Case in point: the new trailer for the tween movie based on Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  The boy in the trailer lip-sings a song by Ke$ha.  The lyrics he goes on to perform say "before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack...trying to get a little bit tipsy."  Even tweens who don''t see the movie are left with the idea that emulating the lifestyle expounded in the song is cool and funny.   For some kids, underage drinking is a normal part of adolescent development.  For others, though, it is far from cool or funny and poses a serious problem. 

Because tweens have not yet developed the critical thinking and information literacy skills they need to see past the media hype, they misinterpret the messages they receive from the media and may begin to internalize some of the more destructive ideas.  Their perceptions are not based in reality, but in the story created by media outlets.

This phenomenon is important to recognize and address.  With access to information and resources, librarians are in prime position to help balance out the messages received by youth.  Media projects, discussion groups, and academic assignments create teachable moments when critical thinking and information literacy skills can be modeled and discussed.  Librarians can also help to balance out media messages by emphasizing alternative ideas online, and in print.  Librarians should not shy away from recommending sources like the Points of View or Opposing Viewpoints series.  Access to information from all sides will help tweens filter and process the media messages they receive.