2. Introduction
Your introduction will be brief and will discuss the purpose of the
essay. You may also want to mention that you will refer to case
studies from various areas of the media with links to relevant
theories/theorists.
3. Historical Effects of the Media
Some points to Consider (this list is not exhaustive):
• Highlight the Hypodermic Needle Theory and its shortcomings in
seeing audiences as passive
• Discuss the opposition of passive, the Active audiences (possible
link to the Social Learning theory and Bandura, Direct Effects
theory, etc.)
• Consider referring to the Two Step Flow theory (passive)
• Uses and Gratifications Theory – shift of focus from what the
media does to what people do with the media
• Cultural Effects Theory – Gerbner and effects of TV violence
Ensure that you comment on the effects the media has on
audiences (and the theory that has been linked to this over time)
and what audiences do with the media they consume.
4. Highlighting Identity
Some points to Consider (this list is not exhaustive):
• Make a link between the discussion of the effects the media have
and identity
• Consider the possibility of referring to a quote such as Gauntlett’s
quote “Identity is complicated: everyone thinks they’ve got one…”
• Discuss stereotyping and how it is relevant
• Discuss stereotyping of youth over time; refer to the representation
of different subcultures
Link your discussion based on the effects of the media with
identity and how it is constructed. You should also link
stereotyping at this point; it would be wise to briefly discuss the
stereotypes of youth culture over time at this point.
5. Case Study 1: The Selfish Giant
Some points to Consider (this list is not exhaustive):
• Remember The Selfish Giant only represents a certain area of
youth; in particular the film focuses on a particular social class
(white working class)
• Refer to theories that link to the representation of social class or
have a definite link to what your are discussing/referring to
• At the end of this paragraph it would be beneficial to comment on
the representation of another social class such as those in
‘Inbetweeners’ or the film ‘If’
Refer to your first case study discussing how youth is
represented in contemporary film. Briefly introduce your case
study and then refer to specific examples that you can link with
the relevant theories/theorists in a discussion of the
representation of youth.
6. Case Study 2: Top Boy Season 2
Some points to Consider (this list is not exhaustive):
• Again be aware that certain areas will be focused on in Top Boy
(these will center on class and ethnicity) so relate to theories that
are relevant
• Top Boy will give you the opportunity to discuss the representation
of female youths so make sure you do this
• At the end of this paragraph it would be beneficial to comment on
similar representations evidenced in other areas of the media such
as that of the London Riots in print media.
Refer to your second case study discussing how youth is
represented in contemporary television. Briefly introduce your
case study and then refer to specific examples that you can link
with the relevant theories/theorists in a discussion of the
representation of youth.
7. Case Study 3: Social Networking
Some points to Consider (this list is not exhaustive):
• Refer to evidence, such as reliable newspaper articles, to support
your argument
• Refer to theories; there may be specific theories linking to specific
sites such as Facebook
• Comment on the Uses and Gratifications theory and possibly draw
in how a sense of moral panic is beginning to set in.
A discussion based on youths dependence on social networking
with reference to a specific case study (Facebook).
8. Case Study 4: Print
Some points to Consider (this list is not exhaustive):
• Refer to reliable and well-known sources for this discussion (such as
The Guardian, The Sun, Daily Mail, etc.).
• Although moral panic is essentially a theory in itself link to
particular theorists too
• As with the other case studies can you link the negative
representations in newspapers with any other areas of the media
such as film for example.
A discussion based on youths representation in newspapers
focusing on the sense of moral panic created. Discuss key events
that led to a feeling of moral panic such as the London Riots.
9. Conclusion
Summarise the points you have made in your essay and discuss
your predictions of the future representations of youth.
11. Case Study 3: Social Networking
Some points to Consider (this list is not exhaustive):
• Refer to evidence, such as reliable newspaper articles, to support
your argument
• Refer to theories; there may be specific theories linking to specific
sites such as Facebook
• Comment on the Uses and Gratifications theory and possibly draw
in how a sense of moral panic is beginning to set in.
A discussion based on youths dependence on social networking
with reference to a specific case study (Facebook).
12. Mock Exam
The Media Studies mock exam will take
place on Friday 27th January during
Periods 5&6 at 1:00 p.m.
13. The Impact of Social Networking
LO: To define the negative impact of
social networking with reference to
theoretical viewpoints.
14. Do Now
List as many positive and negative effects
of social media on youths today.
Positive Negative
17. Initial Questions
1. What are the main arguments that social networking
is having a negative impact on British youths? Refer to
a reliable and recent report. Highlight specific figures
and statistics.
2. What supporting evidence can you find to support
your argument? Newspaper articles (online articles
affiliated with respectable sources too)
3. Research and decide upon theory that relates to your
argument.
4. Consider a counter argument: Have any positives of
social networking been highlighted?
18. Introduction
With reference to the handout and your own
knowledge write your introduction briefly
detailing the main issues associated with the
negative impact social networking is having on
youths today.
http://www.speechprosody2012.org/academic-
essay-sample-social-network-impact-on-youth.asp
http://www.askwriter.com/social-networking-
impact-on-youth-an-essay-sample
http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/articl
e/485925/The-Effects-of-Social-Networking-upon-
Society/
21. Main Argument: Facebook
Read through the following article and
summarise the main points that suggest
Facebook is having a negative impact on youths.
http://www.samwoolfe.com/2013/12/the-
negative-effects-of-facebook.html
22. Further Evidence
You must find supporting evidence that
you can draw into your argument to to
support it.
This evidence may be:
• Newspaper articles
• Online articles from a reliable source
• Relevant professional reports
• News programmes / Documentaries
23. Summary
Summarise your writing for social networking
and comment on your expectations of what role
social networking (and the internet in general)
will have on the lives of youth and society.
