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Adolescent brains are vulnerable and dynamic. They are highly affected by both positive and negative feedback and are susceptible to what others are doing around them. The adolescent brain is wired to engage in behavior that stimulates the reward systems in the brain while the self-control circuits are underdeveloped. [1]

According to Erikson, adolescent identity is based around developmental contextualism. Developmental contextualism is based around the idea that developmental change happens through the interaction between the social context and the individual. In fact, different social and cultural conditions play an important role in the identity formation process. In other words, one’s identity is one’s imprint of his or her social and cultural environment. It is important to know that people have the ability to actively chose, alter and modify their identities to best conform to their societal and cultural context. [2]

Under-developed countries across the world have been impacted by the existence of westernized mass-media. Research has shown that the existence of mass-media has inadvertently influenced the non-industrialized countries by means of financial and technological stability. Mass-media is heavily focused on Westernized Cultures, mainly the United States. Today, consumer goods, television, and societal norms have all stemmed from the American superpower. Other cultural traditions have diminished in response to the formation of a Westernized focus. America has always been idolized for its opportunity and power and the media and marketing strategies have only strengthened it. Other countries have been using media to gain insight into what being American entails. In adolescence, familial and romantic relationships, and sports have all been reshaped due to the influx of technology. [3]

In the Inuit Canadian Arctic cultures, a researcher named Condon observed the clear effects that television had on adolescent boys. The emergence of professional hockey in Canada has changed the traditional cultural beliefs of discouraging awards for personal achievement to young men focusing on competition and fame. The Inuit boys were inspired by the televised professional hockey league and began to stay out for hours at night to practice. [4]

Recent research has shown that in many cultures around the world there has been a stray away from arranged marriages. Teenage women in India have reported that the exposure of westernized cultural beliefs has changed their views in favor of love rather than familial obligations. The introduction of television has changed adolescent behavior from showing no public affection to engaging in a display of intimacy.

Hamilton, J. (2012). Teenage brains are malleable and vulnerable, researchers say. NPR: Your Health. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/10/16/162997951/teenage-brains-are-malleable-and-vulnerable-researchers-say

Kroger, J. (2004). Identity in adolescence: The balance between self and other. Adolescence and Society Series. New York, NY: Routledge

Arnett, J. L. (2003). Coming of age in a multicultural world: Globalization and adolescent cultural identity formation. Applied Developmental Science, 7, 189-196