6-2 Victim Issues Journal Violent Entertainment and Community Effects
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6-2 Victim Issues Journal: Violent Entertainment and Community Effects
Evelyn Pabon
JUS 215: Victim and the Justice System
Professor Morgan
02 December 2023
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With media violence on the rise, it is crucial to investigate its effects on viewers. Some of
the most well-known movies depict violent, fatal, and criminal moments. Horror films, action
movies, and video games now contain more violence than ever before. In the past, before video
game consoles and movie streaming applications, violent content wasn't as widespread and fewer
people were exposed to it. It's reasonable to assume that there is a correlation between media
violence and violent crimes given that both are becoming more prevalent.
The increased accessibility and realism in video games, in my opinion, is one of the
primary reasons for the surge in violent media exposure and violence in society. In the past,
video games used to comprise of animated or pixelated graphics. The most violent thing one had
to deal with was losing all of their money when Doctor Eggman fired lasers at them - they were
anything but realistic.
As technology and graphics have advanced, videogames have become
increasingly realistic and violent. First-person shooter games, such as Call of Duty, which
demand the player to search and destroy every member of the opposing team, are among the
most popular video games. These games are particularly favored by teenagers, whose brains are
still developing. There have been limited comprehensive studies on the impact of violent video
games on teenagers as the technology is still relatively new. However, the few studies that have
been conducted have produced alarming results. Psychologist Craig A. Anderson's research
shows that playing violent video games can heighten aggressive thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors in real life. According to the American Psychological Association, playing violent
video games may increase the risk of engaging in aggressive behavior. This is a cause for
concern because it shows that violent video games have a real psychological impact on players,
and as technology progresses, the intensity of these games will only increase. Television and
movie soundtracks can serve as a source of inspiration, but they can also have negative effects on
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viewers. Popular TV shows often depict graphic conflicts and violent crimes, which can lead to
desensitization and decrease viewers' empathy towards others' suffering. Additionally, such
shows may encourage aggressive behavior and contribute to the development of fear towards the
outside world, as stated by the American Psychological Association.
The increased use of cell
phones, text messaging, and email by young people has created new avenues for social
interaction, but unfortunately it has also led to an increase in bullying incidents where they
become victims. These online platforms transcend the boundaries of family and community,
which had typically offered some level of protection for children.
Today's youth are no longer the
only ones exposed to dangerous materials when they venture outside, as a "virtual" street is
easily accessible to most of them. This means that children from low-income neighborhoods and
those with unsavory friends are not the only ones at risk anymore.
To truly understand the impact of media violence on young people's behavior and to
develop an effective solution, it's important to take a developmental perspective, as noted by
Huesmann (2007). According to Huesmann (2007), most aggressive and antisocial children do
not become violent teens or adults. Social cognitive models suggest that a person's emotional
state, their beliefs about the world, their perceptions of what is socially acceptable, and their
learned social behavior all interact to significantly impact their behavior in each situation.
Children learn social scripts through family, society, and media which influence behavior
throughout childhood. During this time, children develop their social schemas and ethical beliefs
through observing other people's behavior, particularly in the media (Huesmann, 2007).
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References
Cynthia Vinney, P. (2023, July 7). Here’s how violent media can impact your mental health.
Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-impact-of-violent-media-on-
mental-health-5270512