Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2013

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Department

Mass Communication and Journalism

First Advisor

Christopher Campbell

Abstract

Teen television shows have had an impact on pre-teen and teen lifestyles. This study demonstrated how opinion editorial writers for The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and USA TODAY perceived themes such as teen pregnancy, teen marriage, sex, sexual orientation, drugs, alcohol, violence, and the supernatural in the media. In doing this, the researcher looked at articles from the following teen targeted television shows: The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Glee, Dawson’s Creek, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This study also looked at how these perceptions were controversial and/or educational for the pre-teen and teen viewers. The study concluded that pre-teens and teens viewers should watch these programs with parents and or someone eighteen or older; therefore, they can help distinguish on-screen reality from off-screen reality.

Available for download on Tuesday, March 02, 2219

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