Media influences on addictive behaviour

Think about these questions : Who/what in the media might influence us? Why? Who/what in the media might influence us? Why? Identify as many forms of media as you can. Identify as many forms of media as you can. Are certain types of people more susceptible to media influences than others? Are certain types of people more susceptible to media influences than others? What other factors are involved in whether a substance/behaviour may become an addiction for an individual? What other factors are involved in whether a substance/behaviour may become an addiction for an individual? Do the media glamorise or encourage addiction? If so, how? Do the media glamorise or encourage addiction? If so, how?

Atkin and Block (1981) – no relationship between exposure to TV advertising of alcohol and teenagers consumption Atkin and Block (1981) – no relationship between exposure to TV advertising of alcohol and teenagers consumption This shows that… This shows that… A02 – problem with research? A02 – problem with research?

Furthermore, Charlton (1986) found that children who could name a favourite brand of cigarette were no more likely to smoke than those who could not identify a brand Furthermore, Charlton (1986) found that children who could name a favourite brand of cigarette were no more likely to smoke than those who could not identify a brand This supports the idea that… This supports the idea that…

Tucker (1985) – in a study of 400 adolescent boys, those who watched more TV consumed more alcohol Tucker (1985) – in a study of 400 adolescent boys, those who watched more TV consumed more alcohol A02 – contradictory research A02 – contradictory research A02 – quality of evidence A02 – quality of evidence A02 – population/sample A02 – population/sample

To correct methodological problems: Rychtarik et al (1983) – lab experiment To correct methodological problems: Rychtarik et al (1983) – lab experiment Showed children an episode of M*A*S*H Showed children an episode of M*A*S*H Either: viewed episode with drinking scenes or same episode with drinking scenes deleted Either: viewed episode with drinking scenes or same episode with drinking scenes deleted After film: children either chose alcohol or water to serve to a thirsty adult After film: children either chose alcohol or water to serve to a thirsty adult Children who watched full episode were more likely to choose alcoholic drink Children who watched full episode were more likely to choose alcoholic drink

A02 – doesn’t tell us about direct effect on children A02 – doesn’t tell us about direct effect on children A02 – methodological issues A02 – methodological issues

Boon and Lomore (2001) – 75% of young adults have had a strong attachment to a celebrity Boon and Lomore (2001) – 75% of young adults have had a strong attachment to a celebrity 59% were affected by idols attitudes and beliefs 59% were affected by idols attitudes and beliefs What does this show about the role of the media and addiction? What does this show about the role of the media and addiction?

A02 – support from theories/models of addiction A02 – support from theories/models of addiction SLT suggests that… SLT suggests that… Link to media Link to media

Research suggests that media representation of smoking does influence teenagers to take up the habit. Waylen et al examined 360 of the top US box office films released between 2001 and 2005, including those (such as Bridget Jones Diary) that depicted smoking. They found teenagers who watched films showing actors smoking were more likely to start smoking themselves. Even after controlling for social factors such as whether their parents or peers smoked, the researchers found a significant relationship between adolescent smoking and the number of films they had seen depicting smoking. Research suggests that media representation of smoking does influence teenagers to take up the habit. Waylen et al examined 360 of the top US box office films released between 2001 and 2005, including those (such as Bridget Jones Diary) that depicted smoking. They found teenagers who watched films showing actors smoking were more likely to start smoking themselves. Even after controlling for social factors such as whether their parents or peers smoked, the researchers found a significant relationship between adolescent smoking and the number of films they had seen depicting smoking. A02 - This has led to the suggestion that in order to cut the numbers of young smokers, films containing scenes of people smoking should be given an 18 certificate. A02 - This has led to the suggestion that in order to cut the numbers of young smokers, films containing scenes of people smoking should be given an 18 certificate.

Conclusion Overall influence of media difficult to interpret Overall influence of media difficult to interpret Effects of media may be small compared to other factors (e.g.…) Effects of media may be small compared to other factors (e.g.…) Cannot conclude that media alone causes addictive behaviour – may be some individuals are more susceptible due to individual differences or mediating factors Cannot conclude that media alone causes addictive behaviour – may be some individuals are more susceptible due to individual differences or mediating factors

Homework Make extra notes on the role of the media and addiction from your textbook to bring to next week’s lesson. Make extra notes on the role of the media and addiction from your textbook to bring to next week’s lesson.