The Impact of the Social and Media Environment on the Formation of Role Models Among Today’s Youth
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the topic of authority figures among contemporary youth, viewed through the lens of pedagogy as a discipline concerned with education.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The main research question is: What environmental factors influence the formation of authority figures among today’s youth? The study employed a systematic review and analysis of relevant literature, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to the concept of authority and examining the environments instrumental in shaping role models.
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The study begins by defining the term “authority” and the term “influencer,” which is considered synonymous in this context. It identifies and describes the educational environments that contribute to the formation of authority figures (family, school, and the Internet). The discussion also categorizes types of authority found within these environments (internal and external) and examines the foundations of authority, distinguishing between traditional and modern forms.
RESEARCH RESULTS: In contemporary times, there has been a shift in how the phenomenon of authority is understood. This shift has also altered the perception of personal role models more generally. Currently, considerable emphasis is placed on the qualities individuals possess, as well as the attributes they display, which earn them social recognition.
CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Human social environments are an integral part of shaping the image of authority. The nature of popularized content determines how various phenomena within the social structure are interpreted and perceived. The influence of authority figures can have a dual character – positive or negative – depending on the stimuli that individuals process and internalize. The recognition of authority by society plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s personality, building their hierarchy of values, influencing their perception of social phenomena, and determining their overall social functioning.
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