Report Study finds TV can decrease self-esteem in children, except white boys

[tom_mai78101]

If you are a white girl, a black girl or a black boy, exposure to today's electronic media in the long run tends to make you feel worse about yourself. If you're a white boy, you'll feel better, according to a new study led by an Indiana University professor.

Nicole Martins, an assistant professor of telecommunications in the IU College of Arts and Sciences, and Kristen Harrison, professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan, also found that black children in their study spent, on average, an extra 10 hours a week watching television.

"We can't deny the fact that media has an influence when they're spending most of their time -- when they're not in school -- with the television," Martins said.

Harrison added, "Children who are not doing other things besides watching television cannot help but compare themselves to what they see on the screen."

Study finds TV can decrease self-esteem in children, except white boys: IU News Room: Indiana University

If you are a white girl, a black girl or a black boy, exposure to today's electronic media in the long run tends to make you feel worse about yourself. If you're a white boy, you'll feel better, according to a new study led by an Indiana University professor.

newsinfo.iu.edu

 

[Fatmankev]

Out of curiosity, how does race play a factor in whether it affects their self-esteem?

 

[GetTriggerUnit-]

As racist as it can seem, there's probably less black, asian or arab people on television than white people. When none of the models you see look like you, to who can you compare? My interpretation.

 

[Fatmankev]

As racist as it can seem, there's probably less black, asian or arab people on television than white people. When none of the models you see look like you, to who can you compare? My interpretation.

Wow, clever. I didn't even consider that. You know, that's gotta be it.

 

[FireCat]

Doesn't it depend how much and what shows kids are watching? Well, regardless of their ethnic background or gender

 

[seph ir oth]

Doesn't it depend how much and what shows kids are watching? Well, regardless of their ethnic background or gender

This is very much so correct!

I assume the core of the study is simply from natural portrayal of roles for both sexes and races. For example, maybe an african american child that watches nothing but The Fresh Prince of Bel Air might actually contradict this study and be just fine, as the role of their ethnicity is displayed as prominent, important, and successful, all while teaching valuable lessons. The case might be different if the same child watches Home Improvement. Where are all the black people in that show? Nearly non-existent. Subconscious effects occur.

 

[rover2341]

now we need a study to see if white boys watch more tv or not.

 

[camelCase]

oo..
That is pretty interesting.

 

[Varine]

I don't know what you're talking about. I look nothing like Spongebob.

 

[Inflicted]

now we need a study to see if white boys watch more tv or not.

Is this not obvious?
I agree that alot of the shows that are shown on television lately do contain mainly white actors, however there are other channels which are dedicated to the darker audiences whom prefer that and would be less offended by watching tribesmen jumping around a fire.

Regardlessly, as a kid tv did not demotivate me regualy other than perhaps seeing a love movie or add after a break up, or being scared shit-less watching horror movies at a young age. Most of the time watching tv makes one feel good or laugh.
This makes me curious if darker viewers are then offended or feel unincluded watching White actors being staring in movies and common shows.

Having a large television, and watching on a semi-regular basic I could definately say that it is not a negative thing, and if it is for some; then thank God I am White.

 

[KaerfNomekop]

Makes you wonder how all those innocent kids became playground bullies and, eventually, assholes.