The influence of mass media on youth culture1. . . IntroductionWhat is mass media? The dictionary tells us that these are “those means of communication which reach and influence a large number of people. » (Collins Pocket English Dictionary, 1981 edition) For many people, however, it is something much more sinister - a monster who seeks to manipulate and control public opinion. A flotilla of highly entertaining novels and films rely on the idea of ​​a tyrannical government secretly controlling zombie-like citizens, using the media as a weapon. Ironically, these conspiracy novels and films themselves are just another aspect of the media. But perhaps – especially now, when we are more exposed to forms of mass media than any previous generation – the apparent fantasies are not as fantastical as one might think. Certainly, times have changed considerably since George Orwell first wrote his chilling novel, 1984. For example, Hitler's government proved that it was possible to persuade an entire nation to ignore – or even ignore condone – horrific acts of inhumane cruelty on a massive scale. This has only been possible due to the recent expansion of mass media to include radio, film and television, meaning that there are now more potential ways to influence the general public. And making the most of these countless propaganda campaigns, it proved awfully easy to control what was considered a sophisticated and intelligent population.2. . . HypothesisThe question I was asked was: “Does mass media influence youth culture?” Through a series of questionnaires, surveys, a...... middle of paper ......t cites the one below - on which I think it is appropriate to conclude this survey - which us reminds once again the immense power that the media possesses and how it can influence ordinary people, especially young people, and affect normal life. "Not long ago, a young boy in the United States was killed for his famous tennis shoes, tennis shoes that his mother had paid to pay less prestigious tennis shoe manufacturers, a fraction of the $100+ she paid for her son's tennis shoes, and it probably would have been about as high. But in her son's mind, he had to have that particular brand (widely advertised). ) of tennis shoes because of the status attached to them - a status for which, in the minds of the other boys, he was important enough to kill" (www.cybercollege.com., 2004)