The Effect of Media Literacy Training on Depression and Anger in Secondary School Students

Azizi, Hossein; Malekian, Nazanin

Volume 29, Issue 9 (12-2022) RJMS 2022, 29(9): 354-362 | Back to browse issues page

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Azizi H, Malekian N. The Effect of Media Literacy Training on Depression and Anger in Secondary School Students. RJMS 2022; 29 (9) :354-362
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8667-en.html

The Effect of Media Literacy Training on Depression and Anger in Secondary School Students

Hossein Azizi

, Nazanin Malekian

Master's student, Department of Social Communication Sciences, Tehran East Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , H.azizi1980@yahoo.com

Abstract: (398 Views)

Background & Purpose: In today's world, media and technology are present as a vital part of people's lives. People interact with information, news, and entertainment content, and communicate with others using different media such as television, radio, internet, and social networks. However one of the issues that lies with this phenomenon is the influence of media and technology on people's emotions and psychology. Anger and depression, as two key emotions in daily life, have significant effects on people's quality of life. People may experience anger and depression when exposed to various media content, such as shocking news, movies, and video games. But can media literacy training be effective in managing and reducing anger and depression? Research shows that people with strong media literacy have a better ability to analyze and evaluate media content. They can correctly identify how media and technology can influence emotions and behaviors. A better understanding of how the media is structured and functions enable people to reduce negative attitudes and interact with the media in more constructive ways. On the other hand, media literacy alone may not be enough, and sometimes media content can intensify negative emotions. Some violent, threatening, or depressing content may lead people to more anger and depression. Technology and media play an important role in our society and have a great impact on our daily lives. Some studies have shown that people who are properly trained and have strong media literacy can better deal with and exploit different media content. However, one issue that may arise regarding the effect of media literacy training on anger and depression is whether increased awareness and knowledge about media and technology might help people better deal with their emotions, especially anger and depression. , cope or recover? Or is it possible that media literacy education intensifies negative emotions and thus leads people to more anger and depression? Therefore, investigating the effect of media literacy education on anger and depression is very important. Considering the importance of media and technology in everyday life and their impact on people's emotions, providing appropriate solutions to manage anger and depression and reduce negative effects may help people. More research in this area can help us better understand if media literacy training can help control anger and depression or if we need other methods to deal with these emotions. As a result, investigating the effect of media literacy education on anger and depression requires more research and multidisciplinary interaction. The collaboration between psychologists, media scientists, and cultural and social researchers can help us to find improvement in the quality of life of people in the face of media and technology and provide appropriate solutions for anger and depression management. It is very important to understand this issue and investigate the effect of media literacy education on anger and depression. Considering that media and technology are present in the daily lives of many people, more studies are necessary to understand this effect and provide appropriate strategies to manage and reduce anger and depression related to the use of media and technology. The concept of media literacy and its importance in society, then the skills and capabilities provided to students by media literacy education, and finally the importance of media literacy education at the second secondary level and its effect on students' ability to analyze and evaluate media content are expressed. Media literacy education is a set of skills and knowledge that helps people evaluate, analyze, and review media content with the most accurate and critical view possible. This training helps people to make good use of media and different information sources and act consciously on the influence of media on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Media literacy training can have a positive effect on depression and anger in secondary school students. The second secondary stage, a stage in which students face severe psychological and social changes, anger and depression management is of great importance. This article investigates the effect of media literacy training on reducing depression and anger in secondary school students. This article aims to investigate the effectiveness of media literacy training in reducing these problems.
Methods: The research method is a controlled experiment with a pre-test and a control group. 60 subjects were selected purposefully. Then, the 41-question aggression questionnaire of Zahedifar et al. (2001), Lavibond and Lavibond depression (1995), and the philosophical media literacy standard questionnaire (2015) were used.
Results: The findings showed that media literacy training can have a positive effect on reducing depression and anger in secondary school students. Teaching media literacy to teenagers can greatly reduce the occurrence of psychological problems and injuries. Relying on its benefits and advantages, media literacy enables students to use media correctly and intelligently in the globalization and information society by equipping students (developing and improving critical thinking skills) in processing media messages.
Conclusion: Based on the surveys and research, media literacy training can have a significant effect on reducing depression and anger in secondary school students. Media literacy training can help reduce students' anger and dissatisfaction. Also, after media literacy training, students could manage their anger better and showed more controlled reactions when faced with incorrect or provocative evidence. Media literacy training can help improve online relationships and reduce anger. The results of the present study showed that media literacy training programs can help reduce depression and anger in this age group. The research results showed that media literacy training helped reduce depression. Most of the studies showed that participation in media literacy training programs had a significant improvement in mental health and reduction of students' depression and anger. By improving the skills of analyzing and evaluating media content, students will be able to better deal with media and technology and reduce their negative feelings. In order to improve students psychologically, the necessity of teaching media literacy in schools and implementing effective educational programs in this field is felt. Media literacy training can help students understand media content that may be harmful or angry content and guide them to constructive and optimal ways to consume media. These skills can help reduce anger and depression caused by harmful and undesirable content.

Keywords: Understanding the Content of Media Messages, Awareness of Hidden Goals of Messages, Conscious Selection of Media Messages, Critical Look at Messages

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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Clinical Psychiatry