To prepare for this Discussion:Review Interactive Unit 2: Individuals in Society, paying particular attention to the sections on socialization.Reflect on the idea that the medias functions are to entertain, socialize, and enforce social norms.Consider how a childâs age might affect his or her understanding of what is real on television.With these thoughts in mind:By Day 3Post a description of potential implications for socialization that stem from discrepancies between television characters and reality. For example, you might want to conduct research to determine whether the ratio of male to female prime-time television characters is higher or lower than the actual ratio in the U.S. population, and then discuss why this might be important. Be sure to support your ideas by connecting them to the weeks required readings.Reading piece ( be sure to citation)TV
Viewing Among Kids at an Eight-Year HighMedia
10-26-2009 Citation:Patricia McDonough, SVP Insights, Analysis
and Policy, The Nielsen CompanyAmerican children aged
2-11 are watching more and more television than they have in years. New
findings from The Nielsen Company show kids aged 2-5 now spend more than 32
hours a week on average in front of a TV screen. The older segment of that
group (ages 6-11) spend a little less time, about 28 hours per week watching
TV, due in part that they are more
likely to be attending school for longer
hours.This trend of increased
viewing among children mirrors the overall increase in media consumption weâve
been tracking over the last two years across TV, Internet, Games and Mobile
phones. And much like their older family members, the majority of viewing for
these kids is still done watching live TV.Very Early AdoptersWhile 97% of kidsâ
viewing is through live TV, younger kids spend more time than the older group
viewing via DVR, DVD and, to a lesser extent, VCR. Four percent of kids aged
2-5 watch via those devices on average across total day compared to 2.3% for
those aged 6-11. Their considerable use of these devices at a young age points
to them being able to adopt new devices comfortably as they grow up. One more
thing younger kids do more than those age 6-11 is watch more commercials. Young
kids also watch commercials in playback mode more than older kids and adults,
as well as watch their favorite shows over and over and over on DVD, VOD and
DVR.Older kids may not use
the DVR, DVD and VCR as much as the very young, but they spend twice as much
time playing video games â 2 hours 23 minutes a week compared to 1 hour 12
minutes for those 2-5. Internet usage among older kids is also significantly higher
as nearly half of kids 6-11 spent time on the Internet in August versus 20% of
kids 2-5.