...The Effect of the Media on Aggression in Children. Media is of importance to many people for many reasons, including entertainment and escapism. The mass production of televisions in the 1950’s has led to a phenomenon previously unheard of, with statistics showing that as of 2013, 79% of the world has at least one television set per household (TVTechnology, 2013). It therefore stands to reason that children may have easy access to media that may not be age appropriate. Is it accurate to assume, however, that media can cause aggression in children? The Oxford dictionary defines aggression as: “feelings of anger or antipathy resulting in hostile or violent behaviour”. This definition depicts a narrow view of aggression, with the assumption being it will often manifest physically, this view does not take into account varying types of aggression that can be equally as harmful, such as verbal and psychological abuse (persistent abuse to the point of anxiety or stress). It should also be noted that aggression is a form of anti-social behaviour, a concept that varies culturally, for example one study concludes that Western cultures are far more likely to resort to physical violence, whilst Eastern cultures would more readily resort to verbal abuse (Andreu et al, 1998). The most interesting aspect of aggression, particularly in children, comes from the debate of Nature/Nurture. The debate is the belief that all behaviour can be explained in one of two ways. Nature states that biological...
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...Does viewing media violence lead to aggression in children? Younger and younger children our beginning to show increasingly violent behaviour. There has been continuing speculation over the main cause of this. The most important question is whether children being exposed to media violence really does reflect in their behaviour. Recent studies have stated that there is no correlation between media violence and children’s aggressive behaviour. The American Medical Association quoted; ‘Media violence affects children’s behaviour’ this can be explained by the learning approach. There are hundreds of shows which constantly show violence such as ‘wrestling’, ‘the sopranos’ or ‘Eastenders’. The learning approach might suggest that children are imitating the violence they see. Huston et al, 1992 carried out a study proving that once a child becomes eighteen they will have witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television and in the media, including 40,000 murders. Kaiser Family Foundation 2005 shows that children aged between 8-14 spend more time in front of the computer; television and game consoles than any other activity in their lives expect sleeping. There have been over 1000 studies on the effects of media violence. Most of the studies concluded that; ‘children who watch significant amounts of media violence are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour’ – Senate Committee on the Judiciary 1999. Bushman, 2001 said that children are affected by media violence at any age but...
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...Media Violence and Violent Video Games: The Cause for Aggression – Yes or No? Kimberly Fitzgerald-Amend PSYC3520-Introduction to Social Psychology u10a1-Opposing Viewpoints in Social Psychology Capella University March 2013 Abstract Everyone, at one point or another, may display aggressive behavior. Where did this behavior come from? This paper will discuss opposing viewpoints on the role of media violence and video games in the development of aggressive behavior. Included herein will be a brief overview of Albert Bandura’s “Social Learning Theory”; a discussion of media violence and violent video games and their possible roles in the development of aggression; and the ethical viewpoints on violence in the media. This paper will conclude with an overview of all presented information. Media Violence and Violent Video Games: The Cause for Aggression – Yes or No? It is a beautiful, sunny summer afternoon and spending a few hours at the park seems like a great way to enjoy it. However, only a few minutes into it, Tommy pushes Sara off the swing and now going to the park does not seem to have been the best choice. Why did Tommy do this? What causes children to act aggressively? Is it because shortly before coming to the park Tommy played a violent video game; or maybe on his way out he passed through the room where his father was watching a breaking news story about a murder victim? The role the media and/or violent video games play in the development of...
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...Assignment 2: Aggression and Violence in the Media Dr. Santiago Strayer University Social Psychology 110 May 30, 2015 1. Briefly describe at least one (1) episode of a television show in which you observed aggression or violence. Sons of Anarchy is a crime drama television series about the lives of a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club in Charming, CA. In one episode, the mother of the president of the motorcycle club shows her aggression and violence towards her son’s wife. During this episode, Tara wants out of this lifestyle and is threatening to take the couple’s two sons with her. At the same time, the DA is threatening to put Tara in jail if she doesn’t give them information on a recent school shooting that the MC was involved in. Eventually, Gemma goes after Tara and hits her with an iron. Then she proceeds to hold her head under a sink full of water while repeatedly stabbing her in the head with a barbeque fork. Gemma showed aggressive and violent behavior because she was scared to lose her son and her grandchildren. 2. Identify the context in which the character(s) demonstrated aggression or violence. Include the gender, age, and culture of the character(s) involved in the aggressive or violent act(s). In this particular episode, both Jackson and Gemma Teller demonstrated aggression or violence. The main character is Jackson Teller character. He is in his mid-30s, over six foot tall, and has several tattoos of his clubs logo. The episode was based...
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...Running head: Does Media Violence Promote Aggressive Behavior Does Exposure to Media Violence Promote Aggressive Behavior? Valerie Bean Psychology 150-107 October 29, 2011 Abstract There have been many studies done on the effects of media violence exposure and aggressive behavior. First the term media violence needs to be examined. What form of media violence is perceived to be the most influential? There are television shows, movies, music, news shows and newspapers, video games and cartoons. What type of violence such as, murder, rape, bullying, or theft is the public more apt to associate with and be affected by? Should a look at how true violent crimes are reported by the media also be considered? Last we should also look at statistics of rising population and families that have more than one income to survive now compared to 60 years ago. The term “media violence” is defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary as: Media – Plural of the word medium which is the means of communication, such as radio, television, newspaper, magazines, music etc. that reaches or influences people widely Violence – an exertion of physical force so as to injure or abuse; injury by or as if by distortion infringement or profanation; an intense, turbulent or furious and often destructive action of force. Does Exposure to Media Violence Promote Aggressive Behavior? There are many forms of media and different ways they can influence behavior. Researchers, Politicians, Psychiatrists, and...
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...Theorizing that says girl’s live in an externally hostile world - Splinters their authentic selves. Attack self-esteem - Result is girls lose their authentic voices. Can’t live up to dominant femininities - “Ophelia” framework emerges - See it in programs policies, popular culture and media for girls From Vulnerable to Mean - From the 1990s “Ophelia” vulnerable girl to the early 2000s: “mean girl” or “bad girl” - Who are they and why the focus on “mean girls” in 2000s? - “Mean girls” commit violence – ranging from indirect and verbal aggression to direct and physical violence - “Discovery” of girls’ aggression led to explosion of Girls, Relationships, Popularity - For writers including Simmons and Wiseman, popularity is a process that includes a number of positions within girls’ cliques: - Queen bee who controls and instills fear in other girls - Wiseman: girls’ friendship almost cult-like orgs - She helps girls understand privilege and stop exclusion - “Mean Girls” (2004) loosely based on Wiseman’s books 3 of Many Explanations They Offer for “Mean Girls” ➢ Naturalization of ‘girl’ category and girlhood: - While these scholars recognize a ‘problem’ with girls’ aggression, they argue that many girls have ‘successfully’ passed through this crisis time to become responsible adults, mothers. - “Don’t worry. Just a phase.” - What are the consequences of this type of explanation? This explanation relies on understanding girlhood as a universal, biological...
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...Some of my personal events in grade school, workplace, and even in the big screens showcase components of social psychology. I have experienced conformity, especially if I was part of the minority group. At my old job, I experienced prejudice. Unfortunately, I had encountered some very angry consumers and patients who have inappropriate comments. Action and most horror media showcase aggression. Aggression does not have to be physical. Aggression can also be nonphysical. Attraction plays a role when looking for a significant other or friend. Social media allowed me to experience and watch how an individual attracts another individual. Conformity is a change in behavior in behavior or belief to accord with others with real or imagined pressure...
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...is all too familiar to parents of young children. What is it that causes children to act in such ways? Can we arguably say that the violence on television has no effects on the minds of children? I would like to pose that there is indeed a positive correlation between these two categories. Aggressive or violent television shows cause children to act in aggressive ways. Aggressive and/or violent can be defined as the act of initiating hostilities or invasion, or acting with, or resulting from great force.(Webster Dictionary) Research has shown there is a strong connection between violent television and aggressive children. During the time that children watch television, there is an enormous amount of violence shown. The article, "Aggression and its Effects on Children"(Anonymous) gave numeric value to violent acts. Studies included randomly chosen days in various cities. Statistics show that 2,605 violent acts happened, 566 of which aired between six and eight am. These are prime-time “children watching” television hours....
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...as family violence, community violence, hate crimes or speeches, sexual violence. It could be even media violence which is shown in films, video games, cartoons and TV. Media violence is the act of showing crimes, killings, fights, abuse etc. Media is now a day’s considered as one of the best source of education. It has power to create negative and positive effects on the mind of people. People rapidly adopt the stuff shown by it. The violence shown by media is becoming the cause of great aggression as people are unconsciously adopting it. Aim of this essay is to highlight the fact that violence shown in media is giving birth to aggressive culture .We will see that to what extend does the violence shown in media disrupts the behaviors .Why people find the use of bad behaviors as the only way for the solution of their problems. Basically we will see what impact it leaves on mind that leads to aggressive behavior. Why people become unable to distinguish between fantasy and real facts and result in threat for others. Exposing children and adolescents (or ‘youth’) to violent visual media increases the likelihood that they will engage in physical aggression against another person. By ‘physical aggression’ we mean behavior that is intended to harm another person physically, such as hitting with a fist or some object. A single brief exposure to violent media can increase aggression in the immediate situation. Repeated exposure leads to general increases in aggressiveness over time...
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...Aggression and Violent Behavior 10 (2004) 99 – 128 Does viewing violent media really cause criminal violence? A methodological review Joanne Savage* Department of Justice, Law and Society, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8043, USA Received 9 September 2002; received in revised form 26 October 2003; accepted 30 October 2003 Abstract The topic of media violence has been the subject of heated debate in recent decades. There is a vast empirical literature on the effects of television on aggression but no published comprehensive review has ever focused on those studies that use criminal aggression as their outcome. The present paper represents an attempt to fill this void and provide a resource for those who do not wish to delve into four decades of original research in order to assess this line of investigation. Studies are evaluated based on contemporary standards of research in the field of criminology. Although the possibility that television and film violence has an impact on violent criminality remains, it is concluded here that, despite persistent published reviews that state the contrary, the body of published, empirical evidence on this topic does not establish that viewing violent portrayals causes crime. D 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Television violence; Media violence; Violent crime 1. Introduction A vast empirical literature on the impact of television exposure on aggression has accrued over the...
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...beliefs about friendships, social aggression, and roles of women in society. First, a content analysis of gender portrayals in teen movies was conducted, revealing that female characters are more likely to be portrayed as socially aggressive than male characters. Second, college students were surveyed about their teen movie-viewing habits, gender-related beliefs, and attitudes. Findings suggest that viewing teen movies is associated with negative stereotypes about female friendships and gender roles. Research examining the effects of media exposure demonstrates that media consumption has a measurable influence on people's perceptions of the real world, and, regardless of the accuracy of these perceptions, they are used to help guide subsequent attitudes, judgments, and actions. For example, these results have been yielded for viewing media representations of race,1 the mentally ill,2 and the elderly.3 Past research additionally indicates that watching televised gender portrayals has an effect on individuals' real-world gender-based attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.4 Based on this research, and the tenets of social cognitive theory, it would be expected that consumption of teen movies would have an analogous influence on audience members' gender-based attitudes and beliefs. Despite the popularity of teen movies, the influence of such films on emerging adults has not been examined. This is particularly surprising given the upsurge in popular media coverage devoted to scrutinizing...
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...particularly beneficial. Schramm, Lyle, and Parker (1961) ago, the A LTHOUGHasWRITTEN 33 yearswas then. above quote on television (TV) viewing and children is relevant today as it Does watching violence on TV increase or alter the antisocial or aggressive activity of children? The possibility that widespread watching of violent TV programs by children and youth is increasing the level of violence in American society continues to be the most controversial and emotionally arousing issue related to the TV medium. This is because the concentration of violence portrayed on TV has the potential of generating aggressive behavior, both immediately and in the long term (Joy, Kimball, & Zabrack, 1986, cited in Williams, 1986).Aggression in this instance refers to physical aggression with the potential to injure as well as verbal abuse, including threats. TV may affect its viewers in two possible ways: by displacing other activities and through its content (Williams, 1986). American TV contains the most violence of TV in any Western country (Dietz & Strasburger, 1991). Violent From the Nursing PhD Collaborative Program,...
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...Media: Not the Precursor for Violence in Society Although the surge of brutality on television is often blamed as the prominent cause for the increased violence in our society, the true causes are related to the social situations that influence and contributing to violent behavior. Child abuse, domestic violence, poverty, and substance abuse are just some of the issues that have a predominate impact on developing aggressive tendencies; people are created by a combination of these life experiences. It is not a coincidence that many of the children growing up with violence become violent. These same combative adults may gravitate toward television programing that depicts aggressive behaviors. Families and communities are ripped apart by the increasing violence in society. It is argued that exposure to violence from television, movies, and video games do cause the violence in communities. The Aurora Movie Theater shooting and Sandy Hook Elementary massacre are just two examples of horrific violence in schools and communities. Both pointed towards media as the catalyst. Notwithstanding are the many studies showing the effect of aggressive behavior from viewing violence on television. Unfortunately, the results of most of these studies show the relationship of violence just doesn’t go in one direction; according to Leonard Eron (1982, p. 210), “Aggression can be learned in many ways. Recourse to aggressive behavior as a way of solving problems is the...
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...Psychology of Aggression & Violence: Aggression: Behavior perpetrated or attempted with the intention of harming another individual physically or psychologically or to destroy an object. Violence: Actual, attempted, or threatened physical harm that is deliberate and non-consenting: * Includes violence against victims who cannot give full, informed consent * Includes fear-inducing behavior, where threats may be implicit or directed at third parties Types of Aggression: Hostile (or expressive) aggression: Occurs in response to anger-inducing conditions, such as real or perceived insults, physical attacks, or one’s own failures. (Goal = to make victim suffer. Intense and disorganized emotion) Instrumental aggression: Begins with competition or the desire for some object or status possessed by another person. Goal = obtain desired object. No intent to harm, although indifferent. Violence as a Choice: The proximal cause of violence is a decision to act violently .The decision is influenced by a host of biological, psychological, and social factors .Neurological insult, hormonal abnormality, psychosis, personality disorder, exposure to violent models, attitudes that condone violence. Cognitive Models of Aggression: Most research supports the notion that human aggression is primarily learned (early learning and socialization). Hostile attribution bias: Individual’s prone to violence are more likely to interpret ambiguous actions as hostile and threatening ...
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...Do Violent Video Games Lead to Real World Violence? ABSTRACT As our society becomes more reliant on technology and the mass media, the notion that the media may have a profound influence on people has become more prevalent. Research into Media Violence and its effects on values, beliefs and behaviour has been well documented over the past 50 years. This systematic review, looking at both research reports and other relevant literature relating to the topic explores whether or not violent video games lead to real world violence. This topic has been selected due to the unique participatory nature of this type of media. The review demonstrates the inconclusive nature of the research on this topic. It focuses on the short term and long term effects possible while also investigating the need to consider alternate explanations to violent behaviour in children and youth. The review concludes with suggestions for further research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Children spend an increasing amount of time playing video games with the majority of them violent in nature (Huesmann, 2007). Players participate in and create the violence, often receiving reward for their violent behaviors rather than negative consequences (Funk, Baldacci, Pasold & Baumgardner, 2004). The area of violent video games in regards to Media Violence is relatively new with somewhat limited research as video games have only been available to the general population since the 1980s. It is however in...
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