I am rather taken aback by the way the media are affecting young people.

The influence of media and sports stars on the youth is evident, here and abroad, but what surprises me is the obsession of many young people with certain programmes that shed light on celebrities.

This may not be new, but it has negative effects that should concern one, as young people start mimicking the conduct of these stars.

Moreover, watching TV or following social media for several hours daily is said to reduce the brain’s functions and affect the young people’s behaviour and attitude.

They thus waste time and money, and end up neglecting their studies.

Another outcome of this trend might be the widespread coffee shops which target this specific segment, with parents doing nothing to control their children. Fights might erupt on account of football matches or arguments may result from expressing one’s views about role models at these places.

Following this trend is a waste of time and money, and, more importantly, makes young people lose sight of their goals in life, focused as they are on the lives of others without a thought given to the outcome of copying someone else’s lifestyle.

Musa Al Jundi,
Amman