Educationists and researchers have consistently explored the effects of media and technologies, including the Internet, on the academic behaviour of students. Additionally, recent studies indicate that Internet usage significantly influences students' academic performance. The present study aims to examine the intricate relationship between mass media exposure and academic performance among middle school students at Deepti Convent School, Rayagada. It explores a spectrum of media, including television, the internet, social media, and video games, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, such as parental surveys, questioner, and semi structured interviews. The study aims to identify patterns in media consumption, investigate its potential correlation with academic achievement, and analyse variables such as content, exposure duration, and parental mediation. The findings enrich the fields of media studies and education by providing nuanced insights into how media influences cognitive development and scholarly performance. It offers strategic recommendations for fostering media literacy and promoting judicious media consumption to mitigate any detrimental effects on academic outcomes. Ultimately, this article advocates for a balanced and informed approach to media engagement, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping educational success and addressing broader societal concerns regarding the impact of media on the developmental trajectory of youth.
Mishra et al. (Sun,) studied this question.