The power of perception

Based on the cultivation theory, the current exploratory study examines how media images about youth can affect youth’s self-esteem. Since adolescents find themselves in a crucial phase of identity development, it is hypothesized that they may be vulnerable to the effects of imaging processes brought about by the traditional and digital media. Which images do youth most often see about themselves? Do the images they witness relate to the frequency of their (digital) media use? And, do these images affect their self-esteem? These questions take a central place in the current article.