Desensitisation and Media Violence - Assignment Example

Desensitization to Media Violence Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: Question 1 Whether exposure to Media Violence produces short- term effect of desensitization Studies have disclosed that desensitization leads to reduced emotional disturbance, cognitive, psychological and ultimately behavioral responses to stimuli’s that are associated to exposure to violent media.1 Viewers therefore become less sensitive to the violence they see and therefore become willing to accommodate a society that is more violent.2 It can be argued that the exposure to media violence produces short-term effect of desensitization. Studies disclose that some of the short-term effects of desensitization include; positive enjoyment and a reduction of empathetic feelings. 3 Fanta et al (2009) conducted a study to investigate desensitization to violence for a short period to time. The study involved participants watching a total of nine comedy scenes and nine violent movies. The participants were to give a report of whether they enjoyed the comedy scenes or the violence. Additionally, the participants were to report if they developed a sense of sympathy towards the victim exposed to violence. The findings of the study disclosed that viewers developed a feeling of being less sympathetic towards victims of violence and in real sense; they appreciated the violent scenes as opposed to the comedies.4 The findings of the study by Fanta et al (2009) have also been supported by other studies such as Mullin and Linz (1995) who examined the effect of sexually violent films on the judgment of victims of domestic violence. According to Mullin and Linz (1995), the exposure to violent media resulted to reduction of sympathy among victims of domestic violence. 5 What is evident from the findings of these particular studies is that exposure to violent media results to lowering anxious arousals. The concept of desensitization in relation to media violence is defined as a process of reduction of the initial arousal responses to violent stimuli, which changes the person’s present internal state. Desensitization therefore results to lowering anxious arousals.6 Most of the participants reported enjoyment and less empathy, which are attributes of short-term effects of desensitization. The controversial aspect from the above studies is that although the exposure to media violence results to increased enjoyment, nevertheless the contribution of positive stimulation to violent media is not very clear. As a result there is need to conduct more studies to examine the contribution of positive stimulation to violent media. Although fear is perceived as the immediate response in reaction to violence, nevertheless frequent exposure to media violence can actually reduce the negative impacts of violence. This is essentially because the more stimuli is injected the more the violent stimuli loses the capability to arose strong emotions.7 Thus, it can be argued that exposure to media violence produces short-term effect of desensitization. On the other hand, it can be argued that the exposure to media violence does not produce short-term effect of desensitization. A study by Silvern and Williamson (1987) revealed that exposure to violent media does not necessarily result to short-term desensitization which is characterized by reduction of empathy with others who require help. The study sample involved children between the age of 4-6 years old, who displayed increased aggressive behavior after watching moderately violent video games for about six minutes.8 In another study, children in the second grade played either a motorcycle game while others played martial arts game. Children that played the martial arts game exhibited more aggression as opposed to the children who took part in the racing game. 9The findings of the two studies provide evidence of the fact that exposure to media violence does not necessarily produce short-term effect of desensitization. Additionally, the findings disclose that long- term effects of desensitization can even occur when children are exposed to media violence for just a few minutes. There is however need for further studies in order to examine the effects of exposure of violent media in context of age. This is because reactions to media violence may be different in the context of age. Whether exposure to Media violence produces long –term effect of desensitization Exposure to media violence can produce long-term effects of desensitization. Various physiological measures have been adopted to examine the long-term- effects of desensitization to violence. Bartholow et al (2006) used the P3 response to examine the response of male college students to violent, neutral and negative but nonviolent stimuli. The findings of the study revealed that long-term exposure to violent video games reduced brain response and increased aggressive behavior among the participants. The researchers concluded that this demonstrated long- term desensitization.10 Matthews et al (2005) examined the relationship that exists between exposure to media violence and brain activation among adolescents. The study revealed that typical adolescents exposed to a high percentage of media violence demonstrated disruptive behavior and alteration in their brain functioning which indicated the long-term effects of desensitization.11 Using the same paradigm Kalnin et al (2011) discovered that adolescents exposed to high media violence had a decreased activation of the frontolimbic areas an indication of long-term effects of desensitization. 12 From the findings of the above studies, it can be concluded that the long-term effects of desensitization are adverse effects, which mainly arise from long-term exposure of media violence. The studies disclose effects such reduction in brain response as noted in the study by Bartholow et al (2006). Additionally other effects include; disruptive behavior and alteration in their brain functioning as disclosed by Matthews et al (2005) and decreased activation of the frontolimbic in the study buy Kalnin et al (2011). The controversial aspect from the studies however concerns how desensitization is measured. The measurement of desensitization can actually be described as complicated due to the differing views on the level of the measure.13 Consequently, there is need to conduct a study that involves the measure of desensitization of violence and its effects. On the other hand, it can be argued that exposure to media violence does not produce long-term effect of desensitization. Thompson (2001) argues that media violence essentially the violence that arises from video games does not necessary result to adverse implications. For instance, when children engage in such activities such as playing violent video games the implications may be minimal such as short-term aggressive behavior. 14 Question 3 Whether there is a correlation between media violence desensitization and aggression and crime The existence of a correlation between media violence desensitization and aggression and crime; has been supported by various scholars. Amanda et al (1999) highlights that; various criminal activities and aggressive behaviors have been reported as a result of media violence desensitization.15 A Case is in Paris France in 1995 when a group of students went on a killing spree that was influenced by the film ‘’ Natural Born Killers’’. The students killed a two people. Investigations by the police linked the killings to the watching of this film.16 Additionally, in the UK James Burger was murdered by two boys who were 10 years old. In this particular case the murder was linked to violent films such as ‘’Juice’’ and ‘’ Child’s Plays 3’’. The trial judge in the Bugler case raised suspicion on the exposure of violent videos, which played a significant role in corrupting the minds of the two boys influencing them to commit crime.17 The existing similarity between the two cases is that those involved in the murders were at some point exposed to violent media. Therefore, it can be stated that there is correlation between media violence desensitization and aggression and crime. There is however need to examine whether the violent and criminal tendencies are also instigated by other factors within the environment of the offenders. This will ascertain whether media violence desensitization is a major contributory factor towards aggression and criminal behavior. According to Kim (2008), delinquent and violent behavior among adolescents has been studied using different perspectives and has been associated media violence. Kim (2008) argues that in the recent year’s children and adolescents have been subjected to an increasing amount of violence in the media especially through video games, computers, music videos, cartoons, and television. For instance, video and movie actions films demonstrate realistic rapes, murders, and assaults. Thus, if children are frequently exposed to such media they are bound to develop violent tendencies, which may further result to criminal activities.18 On the other hand, it can be argued that there is no correlation between media violence desensitization and aggression and crime. The Catharsis theory proposed by Feshbach, (1955), which is one of the earliest theoretical frameworks used to explain the relationship that exist between exposure to media violence and aggression, supports the fact that there is no correlation between media violence and aggression and crime. Feshbach, (1955) argued that media exposure has the capability of producing positive outcome. This is because exposure to media violence allows angry and frustrated viewers to eliminate their negative feelings, such that after viewing violent media the viewers would less likely behave in an aggressive manner.19 Krahé et al (2011) conducted a study to examine the relation between desensitization to media violence and aggressive cognitions. The study involved a two-week exposure to a violent film clip in comparison to a funny film. The findings of the study disclosed that the habitual media exposure did not provoke violent behavior. Additionally, no violent behavior was recorded because of watching the funny films. The study therefore concluded that there is no correlation between media violence desensitization and aggression.20 Question 4 Whether there is a correlation between media violence desensitization and the tendency to helping others It can be argued that there is no correlation between media violence desensitization and the tendency to helping others. Medoff and Kaye (2011) argue that when people are desensitized to media violence they are less likely to help others in trouble in real life situations. In addition, such people are also less likely to call the police of even develop a feeling of arousal or even get distressed when they witness violence.21 Bushman (2013) further asserts that violent media desensitization lowers the helping behavior in people due to the fact that it lowers their level of empathy for others. Such effects take place in both females and males of all ages.22 Several aspects have to be considered before someone decides to assist another individual.23Three of these aspects are predominantly relevant. Foremost, the person must attend or notice the violent incident. The second aspect is that the person must identify the incident as an emergency. The third aspect o is that the individual has to develop a feeling of responsibility to assist. However, if the individual who has witnessed the violence does not develop sympathy and empathy towards the victim then they would not be willing to help. As disclosed earlier by various studies, desensitization frequently leads to a decrease in the level of empathy. The lack of empathy therefore makes the individual exposed to media violence to have a tendency of not helping other. Thus, it can be concluded that there is no correlation between media violence desensitization and the tendency to helping others. Most of the researchers disclose the fact that there is no correlation between media violence desensitization and the tendency to helping others. However, it can be stated that a correlation exists between media violence desensitization and the tendency to helping others. Although many studies demonstrate opposition to media violence desensitization and the ability to help others such views are unsatisfactory. This is because if violent media makes people to be aggressive and to lack the ability to assist others, then incidences of people assisted would reduce. This is because as a large percentage of people in society, both adults and children a24re exposed to media violence, yet people continue to assist those who require help. There is however need to conduct more studies to examine how media violence desensitization affects the helping behavior of individuals. References Anderson, A and Dill, E, Video games and aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior in the laboratory and in life, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78, 772–790, 2000. Amanda, E, Pennell and Kevin D. Browne, film violence and young offenders, Aggression and Violent Behavior, 4( 1) pp. 13–28, 1999. Association of Chief Police Officers, The link between pornographic and violent videos and young offenders and the Government’s proposals to strengthen the law. Memorandum 1. In Home Affairs Committee fourth report: Video violence and young offenders, Westminster: House of Commons, 1994. Bartholow , D , Bushman, J and Sestir, A, Chronic Violent games video game exposure and desensitization to violence , behavioral and event related brain potential data, Journal of experimental social Psychology , 42, 532-539, 2006. Bushman, B, Why Do People Deny Violent Media Effects, Ohio State University, 2013. Dill, K, The Oxford Handbook of Media Psychology, Oxford University Press, 2013. Fanti , K, Vanman E, Henrich CC, Avraamides M, Desensitization to media violence over a short period of time, Aggress Behavior, 35(2):179-87, 2009. Latane, B and Darley, J, The unresponsive bystander: Why doesn’t he help, New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1970. Krahe, B, Moller, Huesmann, R, Felber, J and Berger,A, Desensitization to media violence ; Links with habitual media violence exposure , aggressive cognitions and aggressive behavior , Journal of personality and Social Psychology, 100(4), 630- 646, 2010. Kim, H, Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime, Nova Publishers, 2008. Kalnin, J, Edwards , C , Kronenberger, W, and Tunner, T, The Interactive role of media violence exposure and aggressive disruptive behavior in adolescent brain activation during an emotional stroop task, Psychiatry Research , Online publication, 2011. Irwin, A and Gross, A, Cognitive tempo, violent video games and aggressive behavior in young boys, Journal of Family Violence, 10, 337–350, 1995. Mullin, C and Linz, Desensitizing and resensitization to violence against women; the effects of sexually violent films on judgment of domestic violence victims, Journal of personality and social Psychology , 69, 449-455, 1995. Murray, P, The violent Face of Television ; Research and Discussion, Lawrence Eribuam Associates, 2003. Mathews , V, P , Kronenberger , W, G , Wang, Y , Lutito, J, Media violence exposure and frontal lobe activation measured by functions magnetic resonance imaging in aggressive and non-aggressive adolescents, Journal of computer Assisted Tomography , 29. 2005. Medoff, J and Kaye, B, Electronic Media: Then, Now, and Later, Taylor & Francis ,2011. Paradise, A, Trait Aggression and Style of Video Game Play: The Effects of Violent Video , ProQuest, 2007. Silvern, B and Williamson, P, The effects of video game play on young children’s aggression, fantasy and prosocial behavior, Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 8 ,p 453–462, 1987. The Guardian, The natural born killers in the Movie, March 4, 1995. The Economist, in its Apr. 4, 2005 editorial "Chasing the Dream," stated: Thompson, D, Video Games: Bad, But Not All Bad," Office of the Surgeon General, 2001 Read More