Media effects theory old vs new

The old Social Learning Theory is often discussed in the media as evidence that media can influence our behaviour in negative ways.

Bandura's experiment using the Bobo doll is explained in this short video.

The theory can be used as a discussion point, e.g. 

• why do the media keep bringing it up as evidence' when it has been proved there are flaws to the theory and the theory is very outdated?
• why is it perceived that we are influenced by negative things we see as an audience but not positive things?
• the children in this experiment do not receive or see any consequences to the actions they carry out.
• Modern children may react differently, no new studies have been effectively carried out.
• The situation in the study is contrived, yet situations we see in films do not typically occur in the life of a small child.

Try and think of your own reasons why the evidence in this experiment could be flawed. 

It is important that if you mention the old theory that you contrast it with new theories and arguments in reference to regulation.

This blog will cover newer theorists such as :
Martin Barker
Sherry Turkle
Tanya Byron
Julian Petley 
David Morrison