The effects of the mass media on the political and social attitudes of young people are considered in this review of research. The author suggests that these effects cannot be adequately assessed without considering the entire societal context. A long-term study (1964, 1970, 1974, and 1980) in West Germany has evaluated the use and assessment of mass media by both German youths and adults. Findings show that most politically interested youths and adults used television significantly less in 1980 than in 1974. Politically interested youngsters with advanced secondary schooling used radio as a source of information significantly more in 1980 than in former years. The use of newspapers remained stable. Research in the United States reveals that for children aged 5-11, viewing television news leads to a slightly better knowledge about political and public events and persons. A correlation exists between heavy viewers and a lower level of education. German research suggests that heavy viewers have a higher rate of anxiety than light viewers and that anxiety is reinforced by heavy viewing. The lessons learned from the influences and quality of television are applicable to the educational problems brought on by the communication/information revolution. Less educated youngsters are more likely to be manipulated victims of anonymous social and political opinion agents. Society must encourage all forms of nontraditional independent learning and adapt modern communications technology to those forms. (KC)