Mediated Violence and the Impact It Has on Children and Adolescents - Research Paper Example

Mediated Violence and the Impact it has on Children and Adolescents Mediated Violence and the Impact it has on Children andAdolescents  I. Introduction a) Background Information i. Violent content has become an ordinary sight in mainstream media, as diverse channels largely disregard the adverse emotional, social and psychological effects likely to be suffered by children and youths due to resultant exposure (Busselle & Greenberg). ii. Progressive research in different fields answers these concerns, showing that media violence is capable of negatively affecting children and youths on several levels. b) Thesis Statement: Progressive research in different fields shows that media violence is capable of negatively affecting children and youths on several levels. II. Discussion a) Violent Media and Aggression i. Isolated population segments reveals increased incidents of violent delinquency and aggression among youths, following predisposition to media violence (Gosselt, De Jong and Van Hoof). ii. Statistical evidence showing that extreme exposure to media violence increases chances of children adopting antisocial behavior (Coyne). b) Theories explaining media effects i. Several theoretical explanations on how the media instigates child or youth violence have been suggested. For instance, according to media violence can be attributed to mimicry, arousal or priming (Huesmann). ii. Process of readying oneself for violence can be intrinsically linked to cognition (Smith) iii. Theory of arousal as a possible explanation for this negative societal trend (Cantor) c) Effects of Media Violence i. There is a positive correlation between exposure to media violence and adoption of the same (Grimes and Bergen) ii. Emphasizing that excessive interaction with violent media desensitizes children and youths to aggression (Robertson, McAnally and Hancox) iii. Media violence portrayed in a realistic manner may prompt kids and teenagers to uphold the belief that society is generally unsafe for them (Bushman & Anderson). iv. Overexposed children can also showcase elevated verbal aggression, characterized by shouting and insults, just like they see on TV shows or videos, among other types of media (Krcmar and Vieira). v. mediated violence is especially harmful to kids that are in the preadolescent stage (Anderson) III. Recommendations i. Parents and other guardians should adjust themselves on how to deal with the issues of mediated violence without negatively affecting the kids’ way of life ii. Children should be allowed to watch television for two hours every day under supervision. iii. Parents and guardians should avoid using television for babysitting purposes IV. Conclusion: there is a strong link between mediated violence and children as well as adolescent aggression a) This literature is important to the field because it clearly indicates awareness and knowledge to the field. Additionally, it justifies the need for further research in the field. b) The Analysis has combined a series of scientific studies on effects of mediated violence on children and adolescents. c) The studies have not provided enough statistical evidence on the effect of mediated violence on children and adolescents d) Recommendations provided focus more on the parents and how to deal with the problem instead of focusing on the affected children. I. Introduction The contemporary society is characterized by rampant media violence, as can be discerned from television programs, video and computer games, as well as, social media sites, in which people pay little regard to the content they post. Violent content has become an ordinary sight in mainstream media, as diverse channels largely disregard the adverse emotional, social and psychological effects likely to be suffered by children and youths due to resultant exposure. The proliferation of violence is apparent not just in popular TV shows, but also in news conveyance, as networks increasingly seek sensationalism through portrayal graphic scenes of aggression from around the nation and globe as well (Busselle & Greenberg, 2000). Media houses do not seem to care how the excessive exposure to violence may affect kids or adolescents, in terms of behavior, principles and attitudes to life’s varying situations. Progressive research in different fields answers these concerns, showing that media violence is capable of negatively affecting children and youths on several levels. The principal objective of this paper is to evaluate recently published research literature regarding the influence of media on kids and adolescents. The methodology applied in the study is largely hinged on online research for articles on effects of diverse media like video games, internet and television on children and teenagers. Principal themes addressed in this research paper include the exacerbation of aggression among children and teenagers due to exposure to violent media, theories explaining media effects, specific effects of violent media on youngsters, as well as, potential measures that can be applied to impede mediated violence. Overall, the literary analysis reveals that, primary effects of kids’ or adolescents’ exposure to violent media include enhanced aggressive behavior, increased violence and increased high-risk tendencies like substance abuse and delinquency.   Violent Media and Aggression It is not an easy feat to associate violent media, as an isolated causative factor of far reaching social changes like increased violence in society. Such broad and intricate changes constitute a combinative outcome of multiple aspects. For example, as emphasized by (Gosselt, De Jong and Van Hoof, (2012) children’s and adolescents’ contact with media violence occurs concurrently with reduced parental supervision and heavy media presence in general. Nonetheless, research focusing on isolated population segments reveals increased incidents of violent delinquency and aggression among youths, following predisposition to media violence. This observation is particularly apparent among young children and youthful males. Further, research conducted by (Coyne, 2011) provides statistical evidence showing that extreme exposure to media violence increases chances of children adopting antisocial behavior later in life. It is imperative to take note of the fact that, just like other forms of exposure, other environmental factors act together with exposure to media, to generate certain outcomes. Theories explaining media effects Many scholars have proposed several theoretical explanations on how the media instigates child or youth violence. For instance, according to Huesmann (2007), media violence can be attributed to mimicry, arousal or priming. Processes associated with priming or the process of readying oneself for violence can be intrinsically linked to cognition. For instance, if children or youths are consistently exposed to violent images, they tend to think continually about violence. As a result, the overexposed individuals gradually embrace the concept of violence and eventually become perpetrators. This notion is supported by Smith (2004), who provides evidence showing that observing certain social behaviors in effect increases the chances of children or youths behaving in a similar manner hence behavior socialization. Anecdotal proof, such as that in the case of copycat crimes further emphasizes the credibility of priming process. The other conceptual explanation for mediated violence is put forth by Cantor (2003). The scholar proposes the theory of arousal as a possible explanation for this negative societal trend. This theory is founded on several suppositions about human emotional response. For example, emotions like fear, sexual provocation and anger usually elicit similar arousal. Linking this theoretical concept with effects of media, the plausible suggestion is that, interest in violence triggered by the media can linger in individuals who are easily angered.  This potentially makes such individuals react with greater violence if they get an opportunity to strike back against those that provoke them. Effects of Media Violence According to Grimes and Bergen (2008), not every child exposed to violent media becomes aggressive. However, field and lab studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between exposure to media violence and adoption of the same. For example, children and teenagers who watch violent television programs have a higher propensity for violence than those who watch ordinary aggression free shows. Robertson, McAnally and Hancox, (2013) supports the latter research finding, emphasizing that excessive interaction with violent media desensitizes children and youths to aggression. This implies that youngsters may gradually accept violence as a norm and even commit violent acts without any remorse. On the other hand Bushman & Anderson, (2001) indicates that media violence portrayed in a realistic manner may prompt kids and teenagers to uphold the belief that society is generally unsafe for them. Consequently, such individuals constantly worry that they will end up being victims of the constant aggression around them. This perpetuates the children’s and teenagers’ stress and anxiety, rendering them vulnerable to depression. Based on research findings by Krcmar and Vieira (2005) the negative impact of children’s extreme exposure to media violence is not just manifested through increased physical violence. The author indicates that overexposed children can also showcase elevated verbal aggression, characterized by shouting and insults, just like they see on TV shows or videos, among other types of media. However, as Hummer et al. (2010) notes, different children have different reactions to media violence. Even though most children respond to the violence they experience in their environs, there are some with a higher predisposition for aggressive behavior. Such kids are said to wield high aggression risk factors and their tendency, to respond positively, to encountered violence is higher than that of ordinary youngsters. These high risk children are often excited by violence (Huesmann & Taylor, 2006). For this reason, they yearn for adventurous media, such as violent video or computer games and action filed television programs. They are also highly susceptible to the adverse effects of experiencing the violent media, as shown by their increased aggression toward their peers or playmates. Such violent tendencies are aggravated by viewing the violence and actually putting into practice. There seems to be widespread consensus among researchers, about the higher level of aggression vulnerability among violent children and teens than those who lack violence tendencies (Carey, 2013). Further research into mediated violence shows that there are numerous factors that exacerbate children’s and adolescents’ aggression, and not just excessive exposure to the media. For example, if children already have inherent hostility characteristics, they have a higher likelihood of perpetrating violent acts than naturally calm and composed ones (Comstock, 2008). Such children or youths are also quick in identifying with violent peers or characters portrayed by the media. The other principal consideration, in the study of effects wrought by mediated violence is that, individuals’ social environments also accentuate the violence triggered by exposure to media violence. Social environment factors that bear relevance to mediated violence include parental influences and peer relations. The other contributory factor that cannot be overlooked is media content (Krcmar & Greene, 2009). For instance, if the violence perpetrator is attractive or depicts attributes with which viewers can identify, there is an increased propensity for violence among kids or teenagers. This is because they naturally justify the violent acts, as long as, the latter are instigated by characters they perceive to be potential roles models. In addition, the amount of time spent taking in violent media, is a vital factor that perpetuates the adverse effects of media aggression. Even though, the correlation between disposition to media violence and actual aggression suggests that reduced media exposure would translate to diminished violence, the intervention measures are not clear cut in research. According to Anderson et al. (2008), mediated violence is especially harmful to kids that are in the preadolescent stage. These are children younger than 8 years of age. The principal reason for this is that young children below eight years are still having some difficulties in separating reality from fantasy (Murray, 2008). In addition, the kids’ brains are not yet developed enough to incorporate abstract thinking in order to have proper evaluation of what they measure, see and compare against reality. Children tend to be consumed by what they are exposed to instead of analyzing and evaluating their experience and exposure. A study conducted by Stossel (1997), made an imperative relationship between heavy TV watching and violence by eight years old. Such children have serious criminal behavior by the time they reach thirty years. This derivative was not observed in 18-year-olds that preferred watching violent movies. The group did not have the same crucial increment in violent behavior that resulted in viewing violent programs in comparison to children and adolescents. The study therefore, depicts that young children are more likely to experience profound negative effects from violent mediated content (Cantor & Wilson, 2003). The other major finding analysed was the effects of chronic exposure in mediated violence as opposed to the occasional watching. According to Scharrer & Leone (2006), an individual that watches violent content, tend to store these actions as cognitive and perceptual representation of their memory. This means that people can visualize and draw it up in the future. This is evident from the fact that if an individual is attacked or in a situation that is exactly the way it was in the violent movie or TV program, they tend to activate the memory of violent content and acts as they saw (Ferdon & Hertz, 2007). Compared to the eight year-old-kids, it is evident enough that the most affected people by mediated violence are the children and adolescents. These effects are manifested at a much later age, when they start becoming more aggressive in their overall behavior. Additionally, Jensen, Weaver, Ivic, and Imboden (2011) believe that constant exposure to mediated violence results to chronic accessibility to the stored memories when one was a child. This means that the more a young child is exposed to violence in the media, the more they will be attracted to violence. Recommendations Decisions on what steps should be taken towards protecting children from the adverse effects of mediated violence is an imperative issue that should be taken into consideration. In the modern culture children have been over exposed to certain amount mediated violence. Therefore, parents and other guardians should adjust themselves on how to deal with the issues of mediated violence without negatively affecting the kids’ way of life. Parents should try restricting television time to a few hours every day. For instance children should be allowed to watch television for two hours every day, keeping in mind that quantity is not a big issue compared to quality. This means regardless of the time set, the degree f violence is more effective than the number of hours that people watch violent content. This means that parents/guardians should start previewing programs that are watched by their kids and make informed decision on how appropriate they are for them. It is also imperative to discuss any aggressive content with the kids. This will make them understand the difference between reality and fantasy. Therefore, the main focus should be based on the suffering which is caused by violence as opposed to any messages which portray violence as an acceptable factor in their lives. This means that involving the children in discussions involving the outcomes of violent games will offer them knowledge about the detrimental effects of violence. Another effective way of dealing with childrens exposure to mediated violence is encouraging them to watch pro-social, as well as, educational programs. This will influence the children mode of thinking in a more positive manner. Some of the educative channels enhance learning, model caring behavior as well as teach moral lessons which are a positive outcome. Parents should also find other alternatives for mediated violence like encourage sports participation, reading, and other extracurricular activities that will enhance creativity. Parents and guardians should avoid using television for babysitting purposes. This is a method that is mostly utilized by working parents in order to have enough time to prepare for work and accomplish other imperative activities in the house. However, this encourages the kids to watch violent programs since they do not have any supervision. This is why parents should make sure that they have close relationships with their children that are caring and nurturing. Parents should strive to spend enough time with the children because they will be able to teach them the values that they should internalize. This will further assist them in future especially when solving conflicts by utilizing nonviolent methods as well as effective communication. It is evident that children with strong attachments to the parents feel secure sand loved and are much less likely to take part in violent ways of life. Conclusion Portrayal of drugs/alcohol, sex and violence in the media has been known to negatively affect children’s’ behavior. Evidently, there is a strong link between mediated violence and children aggression. Parents and other imperative people in the society should , should become more vigorous in educating the children on positive media watching instead of viewing mediated violence. Networks, federal agencies, cable vendors and local stations, as well as, political officials should assisting in ensuring that programming decisions are made to reduce violent programming that will have detrimental effects in the lives of their children. The literature is imperative in this field because it offers insight on how mediated violence affects adolescents. This is extremely imperative because it clearly indicates awareness and knowledge to the field. Additionally, it justifies the need for further research in this area, as well as, establishing of theoretical framework and methodology aspect. The literary analysis has numerous strengths since it combines a series of scientific studies on effects of mediated violence on children and adolescents. Additionally there is a consensus among all scholars in the examined research articles, on the negative effect of media based violence on children and youths. Despite the fact that the studies have numerous strengths, there are weaknesses that are notable. For instance, the studies have not provided statistical evidence on the effect of mediated violence on children and adolescents. Such information would enhance decision making on whether there is need for further research and recommendation of universal mitigation measures. The studies examined do not have a lot of information on how to deal with the issue of mediated violence and its effects on children and adolescents. The recommendations provided are more focused on the parents and how to deal with the problem instead of focusing on the children and how they can be redirected towards accessing educational and motivational media. References Anderson, A, Berkowitz, L., Donnerstein, E., Huesmann, L., Johnson , D., Linz, D., Malamuth, M., & Wartella, E. (2003).The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4, 81-110. Bushman, J., & Anderson, A. (2001). Media violence and the American public: Scientific facts versus media misinformation. American Psychologist, 56 (6-7), 477-489. Busselle, R., & Greenberg, B. (2000). The nature of television realism judgments: A reevaluation of their conceptualization and measurement. Mass Communication and Society, 3 (2&3) 249-258. Cantor, J. (2003). 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