【答案解析】
   It is undeniable that our lives have witnessed great changes due to the popularity of mass media. The media has both positive and negative influences on people. On the one hand, it can make the public more aware of what is happening on a local, national and global level. On the other hand, the media has the capacity to ruin society especially the adolescents and teenagers by encouraging false ideas.
   Modern media sources have provided the general public with news, help people socialize by getting them accustomed with a country's culture, customs and politics. Furthermore, by objective reporting, the mass media to a great extent disposes and tackles corruption. It is for these reasons that mass media should be considered as a positive entity in today's world.
   While mass media undoubtedly plays a vital role in spreading knowledge and broadening social connections, its risks, especially to youngsters, cannot be overlooked. The lack or difficulty in self-regulation and susceptibility to peer pressure makes adolescents vulnerable to false ideas. Youth of all ages and cultures try desperately to imitate the role models they observe in the media, which are not always right. Other risks of extensive social networking among youth are Internet addiction, loss of privacy and disconnect from reality.
   In conclusion, mass media has exerted great influence on the society. We have to admit its negative impacts to young people. But we should not deny the positive effect of mass media to the development of the society. What we should do is to reduce those adverse effects and create a healthier media circumstance for youngsters.