By Albert Fernandes

In this dissertation the main focus of the study is to assess the insidious effect of media on the Indian youth and bring out the response of the Church and application of Salesian virtues in the lives of the young.

Chapter one deals with the development of Mass Media from the primitive times up to 21 Century. It deals with the historical background and development of Mass Media. The more emphasis is given to the predominant electronic Media of the times. The children and youth of today arc branded to be the children of e-generation. It is to show that the electronic Media is part and parcel of our daily life. Thus, more importance is given to the electronic media in terms of description.

Chapter two highlights the impact and effect of the above predominant media on the lives of the children and the youth. Here, the study is precisely detailed on the insidious effect of media on the youth. The positive effect of media is not dealt in detail since the purpose of this paper is to highlight the negative impact of media on the society and especially on the lives of children and youth.

Chapter three enumerates the role of the Church in restoring to wholeness the lives of the youth affected by the media. The Church is in the world and is affected by the media and thus uses media to guide and protect the lives of the youngsters to live a genuine and dignified life. Church holds responsible the media and those in the committee of censoring media; the elders, parents and educators for the right teaching and use of media in the lives of children and youth.

Chapter four culminates with the use of media in the life of St. Francis de Sales and the necessary lessons we can learn from his life and writings. In view of his guidance, the most important aspect of Salesian virtuous living is emphasized for the media affected youth of India today. The virtuous life of St. Francis de Sales and his constant guidance for those who are struggling to follow Christ in the midst of world’s fancies and temptations, become guidelines for the children and youth of today who face similar problems due to media temptations and influences.

The General Conclusion is drawn as to project a need for the youth of today to gain possession of Salesian virtues for a dignified living amidst media congestions such as temptations of violence, self-gratification, pleasures and worldly glory. Re-emphasis is made on the aspect of human dignity and virtuous living amidst the growing technology and media development.