Smartphone use in Children's Shows: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Abstract
This study analyzes media messages through the lenses of social cognitive
theory and cultivation theory. Specifically, this study focuses on messages about
smartphone use in children’s cartoons.
This study found smartphones are portrayed in a positive manner in the
majority of the episodes. Themes of smartphone use included learning, helping, and
increasing social standing in the case of capturing content for vlogs. Characters who
modeled smartphone use were brave and helpful, but in some cases distracted.
Outcomes for smartphone use were overwhelmingly positive.
Based on the widespread usage of smartphones in real life, smartphone
usage is only going to become more widespread in the mass media. This study
provides a starting point for future research into media messages about smartphones
and how those messages may affect viewers.