Why Do They Act That Way? The Media's Enlightening—and Shady—Influences on Children

Psychologist David Walsh mines new developments in brain science to spotlight the often malignant power of media on young people—video games very much included.

While modern media, Dr. Walsh writes, “bring exciting possibilities for children and youth,” they also create risks.  Among the latter is a “culture of disrespect” fostered by media violence, as well as a media-driven culture more generally of “more, easy, fast, and fun” that’s not only “hurting our kids, but undermining our country’s economic competitiveness.”  

David Walsh is founder and president of the Minneapolis-based National Institute on Media and the Family, the country’s leading organization examining the impact of electronic media on families.  Writing and appearing frequently in the media himself, his books include the bestseller Why Do They Act That Way?  A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen.  Dr. Walsh did his graduate work at the University of Minnesota, where he also serves on the faculty.