A look at teen magazines - Seventeen

One of the many in the realm of teen girl magazines, Seventeen provides the usual articles and information that would be of interest to the mainstream. Information on the latest celebrity rumours, fashions and beauty products, movie news and quizzes and tips of a variety of topics but usually focused on relationships, style and the latest movies. Also included are gift ideas for family and friends, broken down by price brackets; however it is clear that these budgets are much higher than anything I was able to afford as a teen. Articles are short, with longer ones being interviews with a star, but this style fits its audience and reading style, enabling teens to read quickly and not demanding complete attention, allowing for music and talking with friends to take place. It is clear that the consumer push is very strong the magazine, as is usual, close to half the pages are taken up by adds for various products, with the majority being beauty products.

One can see the appeal of this style of magazine for teen girls, however other may find it offensive, demeaning or boring depending on their personality and view of popular culture. Finding magazines for these people can be harder, especially depending on the size of the community. It must also be remembered that teens will read more informative magazines such as Maclean’s, The Environmentalist or Scientific American. These magazines were in my household as a teen, and I would flip through and read them often. No matter what the case or background area of the librarian, an understanding that there are people who like the stereotypical teen magazine, as well as the ‘educational’ adult magazine and they should be acknowledged and fulfilled in the library setting.