A study investigating the effects of the media on self-monitoring and self-esteem in two different age groups.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role media influence has on self-monitoring and self-esteem in two different age groups, 15-17 year olds and 24-26 year olds. The issue of media influence on its effect on how we act in social situations and how we feel about ourselves is a growing concern in today’s society. A total of 199 participants took part in this research; 86 of whom were aged 15-17, and 111 of whom were aged 24-26. This research was conducted as a quantitative study, with the use of three questionnaires to gather necessary information. The three questionnaires were The Multidimensional Media Influence Scale (Cusumano & Thompson, 2001), The Self-Monitoring Scale, (Snyder, 1974) and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). Upon analysis, the data revealed that older participants were more affected by the role of the media, self-monitoring and self-esteem. Women were found to be more affected by the role of the media, self-monitoring but men were more affected by self-esteem. The results also indicated that there was no significant difference in the levels of self-monitoring between males and females.