Media

Abstract This article explores young adults' views of seven mass advertising media, and provides an in-depth inquiry into the qualitative media effect these audiences ascribe to each medium. This paper discusses many issues related to young audiences, and provides a useful supplement to the quantitative survey data most commonly found in media research. Respondents showed a distinct preference for media that provided visual stimulation, and a strong preference for media that afforded them control over the experience. Consistent with the concept of selective exposure, respondents preferred media that represented their own interests and opinions. However, media use was often inconsistent with media perceptions. Many respondents willingly suspended criticism when using media, as they consulted mass media for entertainment, rather than information.