This survey examined undecided voters' local and national news media use in relation to political efficacy. Results suggest that online media use was the strongest predictor for political efficacy, creating a self-selection polarized trend of political use of media. Local election efficacy was higher than national election efficacy. Over one half of the first-time voters and general population voters believed their vote could change the outcome of the election. Social media only had an impact on first-time voters' political efficacy. No liberals could be found in undecided voters among the general population voters. Television was the most important medium for campaign information for the
Past research has examined portrayals of risk behavior in various media, including television, advertising, and film. To address an underexplored area, this study analyzed drinking, smoking, and sexual activities in MTV reality programming popular among adolescent viewers from 2004 to 2011. Cast members' demographic attributes were also examined in relation to their risk behaviors. Results demonstrated that drinking and casual sexual behaviors were pervasive among cast members. Smoking and more intense sexual behaviors were also present, but to a smaller degree. Men and young adult cast members were more likely to engage in risk behaviors than women and teenage cast members. Also, ethnic/racial minority characters were shown drinking more often than were White cast members. Interpretations of these findings are discussed based in social cognitive theory and the concept of super peers. Implications for future research are provided.
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