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Do media images affect childrens personality development?

Media images do play a significant role in influencing childrens personality
development. Media images influence on children is sometimes deliberate. Often, media
advertising is directed at children. This implies that children are very conscious of images and
brands. This is why you find children pestering their parents to buy them the next trendy thing.
Media images influence can as well be indirect. A perfect example is the increasing use of sexual
objects in music videos, television, magazines and advertising. Often, these media images depict
ladies with unrealistic body figures and sexy looks. Other types of media, such as song lyrics
and video games, display violent images and coarse language (Valkenburg, Peter, & Walther,
2016).
These indirect media images can influence the behavior of children as they can suggest to
them that those are the standard way to behave and look. However, it is critical to mention that
when a child is exposed to media images she/he is automatically at risk. Children do not have to
take on board all the media tells them. There are other sources of information for children apart
from the media, such as peers, mentors, family, and community. These role models play a great
part in influencing childrens personality development.

Reference
Valkenburg, Peter, & Walther (2016). "Media Effects: Theory and Research.". Annual review of
psychology: 67, 315338.