The Multiple Meanings of Age for Television Content Preferences

Abstract

Two studies examined how adult age and time of measurement influence media preferences. Study 1 (using TV ratings data from 1970s to 1980s) found that the popularity of genres varied over time, but even after controlling for year, age groups differed in (a) genre choices (consistent with socioemotional selectivity theory) and (b) age of characters viewed (consistent with age identity theory). The average age of characters in each program partially mediated age differences in ratings of comedies and news, and suppressed a negative relationship between viewer age and ratings of violent programs. Study 2 (using 2005 survey data) found similar genre and character preferences. In addition, subjective age predicted age of favorite characters beyond the effect of chronological age.