An analysis of the influence of the mass media on the moral state of Russian society discerns negative consequences of that influence, and sees the mass media (particularly television) as involved in the cultural degradation of the population. It argues in favor of state, social, and pedagogical controls to facilitate a more positive role of the mass media. In this article, the author discusses the influence of the mass media on young people as a problem of Russian pedagogy. The author argues that the influence of the mass media must be placed in the context of the systemic activity of educational and leisure-time institutions as well as the family. The author asserts that this activity must be strictly regulated by the state. The author stresses that the pedagogical community has to act as a leading participant in the rise and development of a civil society and to exert constructive influence on the mass media, as well as, where necessary, to direct social pressure. (Contains 2 notes.)