Visual sports media and its role in promoting healthy sports activities: A study on secondary school students in M'Sila

Abstract

Social institutions, including families, educational institutions, and various forms of media and communication (audio, print, and visual), as well as multicultural societies, social organizations, and sports institutions, all play a significant role in shaping a person's character, from its initial stages of development to its formation and eventual independence, with all its positive and negative aspects. Anyone observing the modern world in light of the ever-increasing technological advancements in media will see that it has become one of the most important tools for fostering a conducive environment for development and change. It has the power to shape specific trends on a given subject. Therefore, all countries, both developed and developing, strive to give it special importance, which has led to a significant and ever-expanding role for media, creating specialized channels year after year, and even moment by moment. This approach, upon which the Uses and Gratifications Theory is based, stems from the tireless work of scholars Katz and Blumer. The theory's initial ideas originated in their book "Uses of Mass Media," which is considered a significant theory in modern media studies. It attempts to understand the media process and explore how and why individuals use media, as well as the motivations behind their exposure, such as watching television, buying and reading newspapers, listening to radio programs, or interacting with social media. The theory's core message is: Why do people connect with the media? What needs drive individuals to use media? What functions does media perform for people? In other words, what does media do to people? Therefore, media communicators have always asked themselves: What does the audience need, and what benefit do they derive from their exposure to media? Regardless of the potential impact of television and its diverse programming on information and ideas, it deprives people of spending more time together and takes away time they could otherwise dedicate to reading and acquiring knowledge. Undoubtedly, people's exposure to television allows them to benefit and learn a great deal from it, regardless of what they learn. It can be said that an individual who watches television for several hours a day stores a significant amount of the facts and knowledge they encounter in various fields, including sports and entertainment. Therefore, we must acknowledge the significant influence of these media. The adolescent student in secondary school, at this stage of physical, mental, and emotional development, is more receptive to the distorted models presented on television. This is due to the amount of information they receive through programs, especially those directly or indirectly related to sports, as their physical development naturally leads them to associate sports more with other matters. Since adolescence is a crucial stage of human development, a sensitive period for physical, emotional, and intellectual growth, it shapes healthy personality traits. Adolescents are a vital segment of society; their well-being benefits the entire community. However, social ills, such as addiction, smoking, and other behavioral problems, can negatively impact their behavior. These issues often stem from a lack of awareness and understanding of their dangers. Given the diverse nature of sports activities, it's essential to promote awareness. This highlights the importance of communication and media as tools for disseminating information about sports and guiding adolescents towards athletic participation and self-care.