Youth Attitudes toward Corruption Issues in Light of Their Exposure to Television Drama

Abstract

The study focused on examining the relationship between television drama and the formation of youth attitudes toward issues of corruption. It was intended to examine the impact of television drama on raising youth awareness regarding corruption and the extent to which it contributes to shaping their attitudes toward integrity and transparency. The researcher adopted a descriptive approach through a field questionnaire distributed to a sample of young individuals in order to analyze their views on the influence of television drama in enhancing awareness about the risks of corruption and the means of confronting it.

The study was grounded in cultivation theory to understand the mechanisms through which television drama influences the mental imagery and attitudes of youth. The findings revealed that television drama plays a significant role in shaping youth attitudes. Dramas that address corruption in a critical and realistic manner contribute to reinforcing positive values such as transparency and integrity, while superficial portrayals may reduce awareness or normalize the phenomenon. The results also indicated statistically significant differences in youth attitudes based on variables such as gender, age, and educational level. Furthermore, the study showed that television drama notably contributes to increasing individuals’ awareness of the dangers of corruption and its negative consequences on society and supports the development of positive attitudes toward combating it. Ethical values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for the law were found to be reinforced among a large group of viewers as a result of the drama content.

The study also pointed to several challenges, such as the lack of realism in some dramas, which may negatively impact the effectiveness of awareness messages. It emphasized the importance of utilizing television drama as a cultural tool capable of effecting social change, provided it is employed with professionalism and realism. Based on the findings, the research concluded with a set of recommendations, the most important of which are encouraging the production of realistic drama that deeply addresses corruption issues, promoting cooperation between media professionals and anti-corruption institutions, and designing training programs for writers and directors on how to effectively address topics related to integrity. The results affirm that television drama can be a driving force in building social awareness capable of confronting corruption if used consciously and responsibly, making it a strategic tool in supporting reform efforts and sustainable development in Arab societies