Read Item M below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 20 - 2022 - Paper 2

Reason 1: Stereotyping by Media Professionals

One reason the mass media often represents young people negatively is through the use of stereotypes by media professionals. These individuals, typically older and more experienced, may not accurately understand the youth culture. This lack of understanding can lead them to portray young people in a one-dimensional way, focusing on negative behaviors or sensational incidents rather than the more nuanced realities of youth today. For example, portrayals may overly emphasize bad behavior or crime associated with young people, perpetuating a stereotype that all youths engage in such activities.

Reason 2: Sensationalism in Content

Another reason is the sensational nature of media content that seeks to attract larger audiences. To achieve this, media outlets might focus on dramatic and negative stories involving young people. This approach aims to elicit strong emotional responses, potentially leading to a public perception that young people are predominantly involved in negative contexts. For instance, news reports focusing on youth violence or crime can result in young audiences being viewed in a negative light, overshadowing positive contributions they make to society or their communities.