Project Abstract

Abstract
The influence of Hollywood films on the moral values of youths has been a subject of debate and concern in contemporary society. This research project aims to explore the various ways in which Hollywood films impact the moral values and ethical decision-making of young people. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a diverse sample of youths. The quantitative aspect of the research will involve distributing surveys to young individuals to assess their exposure to Hollywood films, their perceptions of the moral content depicted in these films, and the extent to which they believe Hollywood films influence their own moral values. Statistical analysis will be conducted to identify any significant correlations between exposure to Hollywood films and changes in moral attitudes among youths. In addition, qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to delve deeper into their personal experiences with Hollywood films and how these experiences have shaped their moral beliefs and behaviors. Through thematic analysis, common themes and patterns will be identified to provide a more in-depth understanding of the nuanced ways in which Hollywood films impact the moral values of young people. The research will also explore the role of parents, peers, and educational institutions in mediating the influence of Hollywood films on youths' moral values. By examining the broader social context in which young individuals engage with Hollywood films, the study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex factors that contribute to the formation of moral values in youths. The findings of this research project have the potential to contribute valuable insights to the fields of media studies, psychology, and youth development. By shedding light on the influence of Hollywood films on the moral values of youths, this study may inform future interventions and educational initiatives aimed at promoting critical media literacy skills and ethical decision-making among young people. Overall, this research project seeks to deepen our understanding of the multifaceted relationship between Hollywood films and the moral values of youths, ultimately aiming to foster a more informed and responsible media consumption culture among young individuals.

Project Overview

1.1.     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The mass media exert great persuasive effects on the thoughts and behaviors, by encouraging people into new lifestyle patterns, fashion, etc. Among all media, films play a major role in affecting the thinking pattern of the society (Evra, 1990).

Films also referred to as motion pictures, involves projecting a series of images into the screen to create an illusion of motion. It is one of the most popular forms of entertainment, enabling people to immerse in an imaginary world for a short period (Olaleye, 2007).

In recent times, subtitles that translate different languages have increased appeal of films, especially those from foreign cultures. Subtitles give the audience the opportunity to watch films that were not produced in their primary language. This innovation therefore created room for rapid spread of films from their country of origin to other countries, in which Nigeria is not an exception. Today in Nigeria, films made in Hollywood USA, France, India, China, etc. are always in high demand.

Our present Nigeria society now has a Europeanized look. Our youths now strive to talk, walk, behave, eat, and dress exactly like characters in foreign films, to the detriment and abandonment of our indigenous cultures.