Assessing The Role Of Mass Media In Shaping Academic And Social Attitudes Of Secondary Students

Abstract

Mass media has emerged as a powerful socialization agent influencing the academic performance and social attitudes of secondary school students. This study examines how television, internet, print media, and social networking platforms shape students' learning behaviors and social perceptions. The research employed a descriptive survey design with 300 secondary school students (grades 9-12) from urban and rural schools in India, selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.84. The hypothesis proposed that mass media significantly influences both academic achievement and social attitudes of secondary students. Results revealed that 85.3% students access internet daily, with 72.4% spending 2-4 hours on social media platforms. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant correlation (r=0.68, p<0.05) between media exposure and academic performance, with both positive impacts (enhanced information access, collaborative learning) and negative consequences (reduced study time, distraction). Television viewership averaged 3.2 hours daily among respondents. The study concludes that balanced, purpose-driven media usage enhances academic outcomes, while excessive recreational use correlates with declining grades and altered social behaviors, necessitating media literacy interventions in educational institutions.