DeBenedittis to explore tobacco, media influence

By Mary Hardin

DeBenedittis, who lectures nationally on media literacy and critical thinking, will speak at noon and at 1:15 p.m. in the basement auditorium of University College, 815 W. Michigan St., and at 5 p.m. in Room 4147, Regenstrief Health Center, 1001 W. 10 St. His presentation is entitled “The Manipulative Truth About Big Tobacco: The Media’s Influence and Our Decisions.” He will discuss how the big tobacco industry influenced consumer decisions through various media outlets, including print and electronic media. DeBenedittis also will discuss media influence as it pertains to drug and alcohol consumption, body image and social acceptance, self esteem, risky behaviors and premature sexuality. All three presentations are open to the public.

DeBenedittis’ presentations are sponsored by the Tobacco Free IUPUI Coalition and the IU School of Medicine Department of Public Health. Tobacco Free IUPUI is sponsored by Smokefree Indiana with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.