Media Violence Turning Good Kids Bad: Fact or Fiction? Essay Example

impacts of media violence are not limited to cartoons and extend beyond childhood. A study was conducted to investigate how exposure to media violence affects cognitive and social behavior in young adults when viewed alone or in groups. The results were intriguing: viewing violent films or images not only provoked aggressive thoughts but also caused increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure in young adults who were exposed to significant amounts of violence. Furthermore, observing violent media with a group intensified feelings of aggression and annoyance. Moreover, it was concluded that individuals with highly aggressive personalities were particularly susceptible or aroused by media violence.

In a study, participants were divided into different groups. One group was continuously shown violent films for four days and then randomly subjected to acts of violence or demeaning comments by researchers. Another group did not watch violent films but was still provoked in the same manner. A third group was exposed to violence but not provoked. Results showed that the group who watched violent films without provocation experienced similar physiological and psychological effects as the other groups who were physically provoked. This suggests that media violence can generate subconscious feelings of aggression and irritation, as reported by the Harvard Mental Health Letter.

The potential harmful effects of excessive television watching and lower levels of education are the focus of Gerber's documentary, titled The Electronic Storyteller. Supporting this theory is a study conducted by Seymour Feshbach from the University of California and June Tangney from George Mason University. This study explored the effects of media violence on children across various ages, IQ levels, genders, and races. Findings showed that children with lower IQs

were more susceptible to being influenced by presented images and ideas than their higher IQ counterparts. Additionally, males exhibited greater aggression levels and antisocial behavior while experiencing decreased cognitive abilities compared to females after exposure to media violence - except for African-American males who did not display such tendencies. Overall, all groups demonstrated increased aggression after viewing violent content.

According to studies, heavy exposure to media violence has a negative impact on the academic performance and social behavior of black males. This is due to a unique form of aggression linked to factors such as low self-esteem, lack of awareness, and feelings of inferiority caused by the portrayal of minority males in most prime-time shows and violent films (Television Viewing and Aggression). John Murray's research from Kansas State University found that children exposed to violent media activate similar brain areas as those involved in actual traumatic or violent scenarios (Young People and Media Violence). Columbia University's Jeffrey Johnson also discovered during his 17-year study that teenagers who watch over three hours of TV daily during their early years are more than four times likely to engage in violent behavior compared to those watching less than an hour per day (Young People and Media Violence). The debate on media violence effects began in 1946, with the United States Surgeon General warning back in 1972 that televised violence adversely impacts specific members within society.

Several well-known organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, have confirmed a strong connection between exposure to media violence and aggressive behavior in particular demographics (Effects of Media Violence). Robin Nabi

and Karyn Riddle's study provides further evidence supporting these claims by examining how media violence affects perceptions of violence as well as personality traits like trait anxiety, sensation seeking, and psychoticism. The research shows that limited education or living in poverty makes individuals more susceptible to the impacts of media violence on their fears and insecurities about reality. This fear can result in dependence on powerful entities or organizations that may be easily manipulated (Media and Cultivation).

Previous studies and research suggest that the media plays a significant role in promoting violence within society and culture. The portrayal of aggressive behavior by the media can result in unconscious alterations in thought and behavior, particularly among children and young adults who may not perceive violent imagery as mere entertainment. This stimulation causes a decrease in neural activity in the frontal cortex, as well as physiological changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure, which worsen social and cognitive behaviors. Although the media cannot be solely blamed for societal violence, it is essential to educate individuals about distinguishing between reality and entertainment to prevent violent actions.

Individuals' response to violence is influenced by their age, education level, and IQ. Research consistently indicates that violent media has a more significant impact on young people and those with lower levels of education or IQ. As responsible adults, we must educate children about the content they consume actively. In today's society, television dominates storytelling and shapes beliefs and behavior while determining much of our culture. It is crucial to be mindful of its effect. While media portrayal of violence contributes to societal violence, conscious consumption allows us to regulate its extent in

ourselves and our communities.

The article titled "The Effects of Media Violence on Society" by Bushman was published in Science 295.5564 in 2002.

According to Blumberg, Fran C., Kristen P. Bierwirth, and Allison J. Schwartz's article "Does Cartoon Violence Beget Aggressive Behavior in Real Life? An Opposing View" in the Early Childhood Educational Journal 36, there is a debate about whether or not cartoon violence leads to aggressive behavior in real life.

In 2008, Feshbach and Tangney published "Television Viewing and Aggression: Some Alternative Perspectives" in Perspectives on Psychological Science, volume 3, issue 5, pages 387-89. The same year, they also published "Television Viewing and Aggression" in volume 2, issue 4 of the same journal, pages 101-04.

The author Michael C. Miller explores the potential link between violent media and violent behavior. The article "Does Violence in the Media Cause Violent Behavior?" was published in the Harvard Mental Health Letter in 2001, and it is accompanied by a study from Robin L. Nabi.The Electronic Storyteller article, authored by Sharron Lennon, Michael Slater, and Karyn Riddle, explores the relationship between personality traits, television viewing, and the cultivation effect. This study was published in the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media in 2008.

Media Education Foundation released a DVD in 1997 titled "Dir. George Gerbner" and directed by George Gerbner.

The 1994 film "The Killing Screens" was directed by George Gerbner.

The Media Education Foundation produced a DVD entitled "Young People and Media Violence," which was discussed in an article by Heather Watts in the first issue of the Teaching Artist Journal. The information was presented in a paragraph enclosed in

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for the source "4" (2003) is page numbers 240-41.