Media Uses in Emerging Adulthood
This chapter reviews recent literature on uses, effects, and gratifications of media during emerging adulthood. The authors examine traditional media forms, including television, films, video games, music, and books, and also newer media, such as cell phones, social networking sites, and other Internet use, finding that emerging adults spend more time using media than they spend doing any other activity, with most time being spent on the Internet and listening to music. They also find that exposure to certain types of media content can influence both positive and negative outcomes in emerging adulthood, including aggressive and prosocial behavior, body image, sexual behavior, friendship quality, and academic achievement. The authors show that emerging adults use media to gratify certain needs, key among them entertainment, autonomy, identity, and intimacy needs. The authors discuss areas for future research involving media and emerging adulthood.