Final answer:
In more recent years, peers and the media have become two of the most significant influences on U.S. teens, challenging the traditionally dominant role that families have played in a person's socialization and political orientation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the significant influences on U.S. teens, particularly in the context of socialization. From an array of possibilities, peers and the media have emerged as two dominant forces. Peers, once constrained by geographical boundaries, now extend globally owing to social media platforms. Such networks often solidify existing beliefs through echo chambers, which could reinforce specific norms, values, and behaviors.
The role of the family is traditionally viewed as the most important agent in both overall socialization and political socialization. It has an enduring impact on religious, work, and educational views. However, the influence of family might evolve or even reverse, as seen in instances like Greta Thunberg's impact on her own parents’ environmental attitudes.
Moreover, while families can lay the foundational values and worldviews, media's pervasive presence in modern society plays a significant role. It shapes and mirrors cultural norms, potentially altering perceptions and behaviors. Understanding these dynamisms is crucial in comprehending how today's teens are molded by interconnected global networks and media exposure.