Question

Write short note on:

Effect of mass media on personality development

Answer 1

The word personality is derived from the Latin word 'persona' which was used to refer to masks worn by actors during a stage performance, Thus, the meaning of personality was interpreted as 'projected behaviour' of an individual.

According to Gordon Allport, "Personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determines his unique adjustments to the environment."
The psycho-social factors that have an effect on personality include heredity, family, peer group, culture, and mass media.

Mass media includes print media e.g., newspapers; audio-visual media e.g., T.V. and new media e.g., internet. Media is a source of information, education, entertainment, and even socialization. It has a considerable effect on our value system, behaviour patterns and personality. However, excessive dependence on media may lead to egocentrism, poor academic performance, difficulty in concentration, sleep disturbance, etc.