From Faith to Feelings: Media’s Grip on Social, Psychological, and Religious Growth of Children

Authors

  • Waqas Ali Khan Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Narowal.
  • Ehtisham Ali Deputy Director, ORIC, University of Narowal.
  • Namra Shahzadi Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Gujrat.

Keywords:

Media Influence, Child Development, Social Behavior, Psychological Impact, Religious Identity.

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of media content on children's social, psychological, and religious development. In particular, it examines the prosocial, violent, and religious media's influence on children's behavior, the regulation of emotions, cognitive functions, and spiritual identity. The study also evaluates the role of social media in the formation of peer relationships and emotional health status. A qualitative research design has been carried out, which took interviews with a wide range of parents for the purpose of thematic analysis. The interviews tackled their media observations among children and its perceived consequences. The results indicate that children's social behavior can be influenced in a positive way through prosocial and educational media, thus, characteristics such as empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving skills are developed. Yet, the consumption of violent and aggressive media was related to the rise of aggressive and antisocial behavior. Social media was listed by respondents as a neutral impact since some of them gave examples of benefits whereas others mainly referred to the existence of cyberbullying and social comparison. Furthermore, it demands more stringent media regulation and the support of high-quality educational programs. Both parents and media companies are accountable for what kids are exposed to, so they need to team up to find proper solutions. However, with proper adult guidance the risks can be mitigated. Both media companies and parents are responsible for what children are shown, and together they have to figure out the solutions.

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Published

14-09-2024

How to Cite

Waqas Ali Khan, Ehtisham Ali, & Namra Shahzadi. (2024). From Faith to Feelings: Media’s Grip on Social, Psychological, and Religious Growth of Children. INKISHAF, 4(13), 43–58. Retrieved from https://inkishaf.org/index.php/home/article/view/493

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