What role do family, friends, and media play in attitude formation?
Zoha A. SiddiquiBegginer
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An attitude can be defined as a tendency to respond positively or negatively toward a certain idea, person, object, or situation (Triandis, 1971). This tendency, developed through peoples’ experiences as they live and work with others, can affect the way they behave toward those ideas, people, objects, and situations and can include opinions, beliefs, and biases.
Attitudes are not something people have when they are born. They are learned
through experiences and contact with others and even through direct instruction from parents, teachers, and other important people in a person’s life. Because attitudes involve a positive or negative evaluation of things, it’s possible to go into a new situation, meet a new person, or be exposed to a new idea with one’s “mind already made up” to like or dislike, agree or disagree, and so on.
Attitude formation is the result of a number of different influences with only one thing in common: They are all forms of learning.
1) Direct Contact – One way in which attitudes are formed is by direct contact with the person, idea, situation, or object that is the focus of the attitude. For example, a child who tries and dislikes brussels sprouts will form a negative attitude about brussels sprouts.
2) Direct Instruction – Another way attitudes are formed is through direct instruction, either by parents or some other individual. Parents may tell their children that smoking cigarettes is dangerous and unhealthy, for example.
3) Interaction With Others – Sometimes attitudes are formed because the person is around other people with that attitude. If a person’s friends, for example, all hold the attitude that smoking is cool, that person is more likely to think that smoking is cool as
well.
4) Vicarious Conditioning (Observational Learning) – Many attitudes are learned through the observation of other people’s actions and reactions to various objects, people, or situations.
Family, friends, and media play crucial roles in shaping an individual’s attitudes by influencing their beliefs, values, and behaviors.
### Family
– *Early Socialization*: Family is often the first social group individuals interact with, providing foundational beliefs and values. Children absorb attitudes from parents and siblings through observation and imitation, shaping their perceptions of the world.
– *Cultural and Religious Values*: Families pass down cultural and religious beliefs that impact attitudes on topics like politics, gender roles, and social responsibilities. These values influence how individuals perceive and interact with the world.
– *Emotional Support*: Emotional bonds within families can strengthen or modify attitudes. Supportive environments may foster positive social attitudes, while strained dynamics can lead to negative perceptions or rebellious attitudes.
### Friends
– *Peer Influence*: Friends significantly influence attitudes, especially during adolescence. Peer groups establish norms that individuals adopt to fit in, affecting attitudes toward fashion, music, and behaviors.
– *Social Comparison*: Individuals compare themselves to their friends, influencing attitudes and self-perception. For instance, a person might adopt healthier habits if their friends value fitness.
– *Shared Experiences*: Friends provide unique perspectives through shared experiences, introducing new viewpoints that encourage individuals to reevaluate beliefs and adopt more open-minded attitudes.
### Media
– *Information Dissemination*: Media is a primary information source, shaping public attitudes by framing news stories and representing issues. This influences opinions on social, political, and economic matters.
– *Stereotype Formation*: Media perpetuates stereotypes, shaping attitudes toward different groups. Repeated exposure to biased portrayals can internalize these stereotypes, affecting attitudes and behaviors.
– *Social Influence and Trends*: Social media platforms allow users to express opinions, influencing public discourse and attitude formation. Viral trends and influencers can sway public opinion and promote new ideas.
– **Reinforcement of Norms