The mass media and the socio-political impact on Lebanese youth

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the mass media and its effects on the Lebanese society, and precisely on the young population. Our aim in this thesis.is to pinpoint and focus on the relationship of entertainment media along with violence, sexual and unethical development of the youth, during childhood and adolescence. We shall take into consideration the difficult challenges that are facing the Lebanese society and affecting its youth, whether positively or negatively. Our main objectives are to propose some fruitful and efficient solutions to the problems, in addition to some suggestions for the attainment of a more sane and modem society with a higher level of education, culture and morality. This thesis is divided into six chapters. The first chapter provides a historical overview of the mass media in Lebanon including written press and audio-visuals broadcasting stations. In the second chapter the analysis focuses upon the Lebanese Audio-Visual Laws and their effectiveness in organizing this industry. Chapter Three will focus on Media ethics by stressing mostly on what was written by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and this includes ethics in communication, ethics in the Internet and ethics in advertising. Chapter Four analyses the Media Effects and its cultural, traditional, and ideological influence on the young Lebanese society along with examples. Chapter Five studies and analyzes through a survey the effects of mass media on the Lebanese young population. And finally Chapter Six will concentrate on the future trends of multimedia systems and their impact on society. In Chapter Five the purpose of the survey (pilot survey based on a limited sample of 50 Lebanese students), is to highlight and examine the media effects on the Lebanese youth. The representation focuses on three major areas, Beirut, Metn and Keserwan. The respondents are mainly from Notre Dame University and from Jesus and Mary High School, their ages vary between 14 and 25 years.