Media, particularly social media, has become an essential element of everyday life. Children, adults, young, elderly, and people of all genders use various media. Print and broadcast media, as well as social media, are examples of media. Humans use mobile phones to access social media. In the twenty-first century, mobile phones resemble human organs. People in the twenty-first century can go without food for a few days, but they cannot go a minute without their cell phones. Children are also heavily reliant on numerous forms of media. Mobile phones and their applications were unknown to humans 15 years ago.
In today's globalized society, cell phones and social media have become an integral part of their lives. Books, comic books, magazines, radio, and television have all become more significant communication tools for our children in recent years. It is hardly unexpected that we now regard the media as having a significant impact on children. The influence of the media on children's behavior and development may be likened to that of the home and school. They have a particular impact on the youngster through tale books, radio, or television.
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Newspapers, books, magazines, and comic books are four print media that children may read. Books and comics are the most popular, while newspapers are the least popular. There are significant age and individual variances in the preferences of youngsters. Most young children enjoy stories involving family members, animals, and fairy tales. Children between the ages of 6 and 8 prefer concrete experiences and objects to which they can relate. Fantasy, humor and happy endings are other popular themes. Because of their cerebral development and educational experiences, older youngsters become more realistic. Sex stereotypes and awareness of what is deemed sex appropriate evolve as well. By the age of ten to twelve, their reading interests include adventure, mystery, science, detective novels, etc.
Children like listening to thrilling and engaging programs. They like programs that include humor, quizzes, sporting events, adventure stories, and family dramas. Popular music programs and audio recordings are also popular. One of the children's favorite pleasures is watching movies in a theatre or on television. The majority of films aimed at youngsters are intended for adults. If they can avoid it, most youngsters never miss a Sunday TV movie. Movies entertain youngsters by transporting them to a new world of people doing things they cannot accomplish. Children discover enthusiasm in movies they do not find in their everyday lives.
Television combines the appealing elements of radio and cinema and is one of the most popular forms of mass media during infancy. Even grownups appear to schedule their nights around television shows. In many households, watching television is a family affair. In general, all family members, neighbors, and friends gather around the television to watch a popular serial on the national network. Surprisingly, only a few youngsters watch programs specifically aimed at them in the early nights. They are more interested in playing outside at that time. Furthermore, instructional programs for youngsters sometimes need to be more relaxed, drab, and uninteresting. They lack any sense of plot or humor. Children enjoy shows featuring cartoons, puppets, mystery, humor, and so on.
When we consider how individuals spend their free time, social media is the first thing that comes to mind. A sizable proportion of the population uses mobile devices to access social media. They are usually carrying smartphones with them. Social media encompasses social networking sites, blogs, blogging, gaming, video and photo sharing, iPods, iPhones, iPods, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, video editing or sharing applications, LinkedIn, and so on. It has grown increasingly common and is now a part of everyone's life in the twenty-first century. It serves a variety of functions in society, including education, entertainment, and communication.
It collects data from many sources and displays it in a variety of formats for a wide range of individuals in the community and society. Throughout the process, one must be aware of the data sources, the purpose of the data sources, the forms of presentation, and the presentation goal. Statistics may be misrepresented in order to sway people's opinions. Misrepresenting evidence with subjective and prejudiced perspectives to form opinions among individuals results in incomplete views on societal issues, which has long-term effects. Children may establish strong opinions or beliefs based on a restricted notion.
To youngsters, data and information are delivered through cartoons, virtual games, and derivatives. If youngsters are exposed to data in the form of comics or cartoons and play virtual games for a lengthy period, it may have a tremendous effect on their minds. It may also have both beneficial and bad consequences. Prolonged exposure to these media may divert children's attention away from their education and physical activity. The children's conduct and utterances are influenced by their expanded media exposure.
They may speak like cartoon characters at times and lose their physical and mental development from childhood. The proliferation of smartphones and computers altered global communication. People may communicate with anyone by simply pressing or clicking a button. They have the ability to make both voice and video calls. The availability of many Smartphone applications inspires users to be creative and create audio and video material, which they publish.
Covid 19 and the following deployment of total lockdowns in numerous nations resulted in indefinite school closures. Schools have changed their teaching techniques and now employ various information communication technologies and media to reach pupils and retain instructors. Smartphones and computers play an important part in this. Smartphones and computers have greatly aided students and instructors, and it aided teachers in continuing their lessons and learners' learning activities. Online platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom have become important in students' lives.
Following the epidemic, schools and institutions immediately shifted their manner of instruction online. We must ensure that all youngsters have access to cell phones, laptop computers, and internet services. Accessibility, availability, and control, according to extant research, are critical. Although Internet access is available, do all children possess and control mobile phones and laptop computers to listen to India's lectures?
According to a poll performed by the University of Hyderabad in the aftermath of the Covid -19 crisis, just 50% of students had access to laptop computers, 45% had regular access to the internet, and 18% had no access to the internet at all. The aforementioned study mirrored India's current situation. We require frequent, uninterrupted Media and Children's internet access to attend online programs. Existing research has revealed a disparity in internet service availability in urban and rural locations. Because of existing patriarchal relationships and the socialization process, female learners are more susceptible to the digital realm.
Social institutions such as the family require girls to assist moms and women with household chores. Girl students may have uneven access to mobile phones, laptop computers, and internet services. Gender standards have already partitioned the residential area. When Covid 19 arrived in India, the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and other ministries of the Indian government repeatedly declared that the online space should be used for continuous training of learners. Of course, the Ministry of Education encouraged schools to utilize all internet resources.
Children of all ages have easy access to mobile platforms, interactive media devices, and print media. It lets students learn new languages, science, and maths through models and observe animals and plants electronically. It allows children to learn on their own. It aids in the removal of doubts. Children's Supplements in Print Media help children improve their reading habits, learn languages, and so on. At the same time, youngsters are harmed by extended exposure to digital media. It affects their eyesight, lowering physical activity, which leads to childhood obesity and other health problems.