Violence in media
Violence In The Media: What Effects on Youth Behaviour
Research Project Proposal
SECTION A: Background, Significance and Aims
Background and Significance
The media has a significant impact on the behaviour, beliefs and knowledge of society. This is because society appears to have a subconscious fixation towards mass media; depicting the idea that individuals are becoming “increasingly exposed towards violence throughout their lifespan” (Anderson, 2004. p.2). Research on the development of aggression and violence reveals that violent behaviour can occur through a myriad of features, “including individual (eg, genetic factors), family (eg. Poor relationships), education (insignificant schooling), socioeconomic status and community (eg. Neighbourhood violence) characteristics”(Ybarra, M; West, M; Markow, D; Hamburger, M; Boxer, P, 2008, p. 929). Although exposure to media violence is not the primary motive for aggressive behaviour, it is however, the single most curable contributing reason.
Violence is noticeably becoming a key factor within today’s society; medias interpretation and representation of violence on all forms of interaction must play a role on our behaviour to date. Theorists have established from recent research that violent media for instance, video games and movies, “temporarily increase aggressive thoughts, aggressive affect and physiological arousal” (Carnagey, Anderson, & Bartholow, 2007, p. 179), thus creating violent behaviours. In addition, Anderson cited that, “the industry markets violent video games to underage kids” (Anderson, 2004, p.11), which evokes violent thoughts, imitation and aggressive actions. Through this proposed study a major issue raised within the area of media violence would be addressed. This issue that needs to be considered is the long-term effects that may occur to the youth. In this context, “physiological desensitization displays reduced or no emotional feelings or empathy for others, due to media
Research Project Proposal
SECTION A: Background, Significance and Aims
Background and Significance
The media has a significant impact on the behaviour, beliefs and knowledge of society. This is because society appears to have a subconscious fixation towards mass media; depicting the idea that individuals are becoming “increasingly exposed towards violence throughout their lifespan” (Anderson, 2004. p.2). Research on the development of aggression and violence reveals that violent behaviour can occur through a myriad of features, “including individual (eg, genetic factors), family (eg. Poor relationships), education (insignificant schooling), socioeconomic status and community (eg. Neighbourhood violence) characteristics”(Ybarra, M; West, M; Markow, D; Hamburger, M; Boxer, P, 2008, p. 929). Although exposure to media violence is not the primary motive for aggressive behaviour, it is however, the single most curable contributing reason.
Violence is noticeably becoming a key factor within today’s society; medias interpretation and representation of violence on all forms of interaction must play a role on our behaviour to date. Theorists have established from recent research that violent media for instance, video games and movies, “temporarily increase aggressive thoughts, aggressive affect and physiological arousal” (Carnagey, Anderson, & Bartholow, 2007, p. 179), thus creating violent behaviours. In addition, Anderson cited that, “the industry markets violent video games to underage kids” (Anderson, 2004, p.11), which evokes violent thoughts, imitation and aggressive actions. Through this proposed study a major issue raised within the area of media violence would be addressed. This issue that needs to be considered is the long-term effects that may occur to the youth. In this context, “physiological desensitization displays reduced or no emotional feelings or empathy for others, due to media
References: Anderson, C. A (2004). Violence in the media: its effects on children. Presentation for the Victorian Parenting Centre & Young Media Australia’, Issues in Parenting Education, September 11, 2004. Anderson, C., & Dill, K Cantor, J. (2000). Media Violence, Aggression, and Public Policy. Journal of Adolescent Health. 27 (2), p.30-34. Carnagey, Anderson, & Bartholow. (2007). Media Violence and Social Neuroscience New Questions and New Opportunities. Current Directions in Psychological Science. 16 (4), p178-182. Gentile, D. A., Lynch, P. J., Linder, J. R., & Walsh, D. A. (2004). The effects of violent video game habits on adolescent aggressive attitudes and behaviors. Journal of Adolescence, 27, 5-22. Huesmann, L & Taylor, L. (2006). The role of media violence in violent behaviour. Annual Review of Public Health. 27 (1), p393-415. Media Smarts . (2012). What do We Know About Media Violence?. Available: http://mediasmarts.ca/violence/what-do-we-know-about-media-violence. Last accessed 10th March 2014. Myers, DG 2010, ‘Aggression: hurting others’, in T Griffin (ed.), 101557: The individual in Society, McGraw-Hill Australia, North Ryde, NSW, pp. 218-256. Polit D.F Potter, J. (2003). On Media Violence. SAGE Publications. 1 (2), p45-50. Salter, M; Henry, K; Swaim, R & Anderson, L (2003). Violent media content and aggressiveness in adolescents: downward spiral model. Communication Research. 30 (6). P713-724. Ybarra, M, West, M, Markow, D, Hamburger, M, Boxer, P. (2008). Linkages Between Internet and Other Media Violence With Seriously Violent Behavior by Youth. Pediatrics . 122 (5), p229-237.