Media and primary socialization theory

This article discusses the role of media in the socialization process of ad olescents, and supports the theory of primary socialization which identifie s media as a secondary factor in the socialization process las described in other articles in this series). Additionally, several models of informatio n processing are presented which offer both a cognitive and affective model of processing communications. Finally, the article points to the need for future research to analyze the cases and implications of media's impact on adolescents when media serve as a primary, rather than a secondary, source of socialization. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.].