As adolescents move from infancy to adulthood they are continuously searching for self-definition. The identity of an adolescent changes due to influences on the cognitive, social and physical levels. Through the alteration in each level the adolescent is able to learn more about themselves and strive for finding a new role to take on. These changes within the adolescences can cause the individual's behavior to fall short or become improved. The search can create conflicts with the parents and peers of the adolescent, they may turn to outside alternatives like music and magazines. These two sources can promote false and misleading views that will have an impact on their lives. .
Adolescents take interest in music for various reasons that pertain to that individual, some just like to listen to music, they can relate to the lyrics and others use music for an escape. What ever the reasons music happens to capture the personality of the listener and can alter ones" character. The impact the lyrics or artists project in their quest to relieve their tensions may result in adolescents receiving the wrong message. These statements of violence, drugs, sexual conduct, and the belittling of women, youth listen to or see in music videos sends the message it's all right to behave in this manner. Thus altering the values set forth by their parents, and adopting the ideals of their role models and choosing peers of the same interests. This behavior can result in the teenagers using drugs, fights, school shootings, multiple sex partners, domestic violence, and suicide. "Look mami I got the X if you into taking drugs" this statement by 50 Cent in Get Rich or Die Trying album, his lyrics can cause curiosity in experimenting with ecstasy and other drugs. All of which steer the adolescents toward a state of failure.
Adolescents cognitive, social and physical levels will change as they choose this new role.