Strong evidence supports both the positive and negative effects of video games on young teens

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Why Teenagers Need Guidance

Good role models set positive examples for teenagers and help counter negative influences they come across in their youth.  While entertainment figures can serve as positive influences, teenagers are more influenced by role models they can communicate and form relationships with. More than 75 percent of children in the United States look to relatives, coaches, teachers and community leaders as role models, according to a 2008-2009 survey conducted by the Horatio Alger Association. Thus, young teens are very influenced by the media they see on a daily basis. 
(I will explain the media's effect on the youth in the following topics)

(Here I will introduce my Expert interview and also show statistics relating to media effect)

Body Image (Negative):
Collectively, the media has a very poor very on body image, both male and female. The standards that supermodels, and male clothing models are held to are extremely unrealistic fro the average teenager, especially at such a developmental stage in their lives. Brands like Abacrombie and Fitch, Hollister, and Victoria's Secret usually cater to as kids as low as 15-16 years old, yet, the models they use are not only much older, but much more developed. People at an age like this see this and want to emulate what they see, but are unable to simply because it is physically impossible. 
(Response to question 1)

Glorifying Bad Behavior (Negative):
Over the past few years, violence and sex appeal have exploded across digital media.  Movies and television programs show people using drugs and alcohol and engaging in violent and sexual behaviors. At a developmental stage when teens look for guidance, the glorification of drugs, alcohol, sex and violent behaviors in the media make it challenging for teens to make responsible choices.  According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the time a person is 18, he or she will have witnessed approximately 200,000 violent acts. Teens are exposed to even more violent images when they watch movies, surf the Internet and play video games in which violent acts result in rewards. Commercials for video games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto V display violent acts for children and young teens of any age to see. 
(Response to question 2)

However, despite its negative influences, the media's impact on teenagers can be positive as well. 
Awareness of Political and Social Events (Positive): 
Social media's like Twitter and Facebook, give its young users the ability to gain vast amounts of useful political and news information. Twitter accounts of political officials and news companies tweet positive, factual information everyday for its users to see. In addition, news outlets like as CNN, provide teens with an opportunity to develop a political stance. Exposure to news and information about events occurring around the world allow teens to learn about the world around them in great depth.
(Response to question 3)