Media Violence

Media Violence

Introduction

Violence is not a new thing for human beings as it has been part of human life in various ways. In fact, the greater exposure to weapons and violence in movies, television and video games has significantly increased the violent behaviour among children. Recent shootout incidents in American schools can be seen as a great example of increasing violent behaviour in children and young adults (Muschert & Sumiala, 2012). No doubt, there are number of factors that cause violence in children includes domestic violence, child abuse, community violence, substance abuse and other psychiatric problems in family. However, media or television has played a significant role in the development of violent trend in children through its fascinating presentations. In fact, today's modern media is capable enough to influence individuals as well as society in many ways (Kirsh, 2006).

Media violence has direct negative effects on children and adolescents. Those children who see violence on media, especially on the television or while playing violent video games, are more prone to developing aggressive behaviour. It has been found that the American children watch 28 hours of television a week. In this episode, they see 812 violent acts per hour, whereas specific children's programmes, including the cartoons, show about 20 violent acts per hour. In addition, the television is present in 99% of US homes, even more than the penetration of the telephone (Kirsh, 2006). Additionally, most children have a television in their own rooms which makes them even more susceptible to watching violence on the television (Beresin, 2012).

Discussion

In today's society, one the increasing concern is the access use of television. This can be seen by a contrast of matching two different periods, as stats clarify that only 10% of the households in America had televisions in 1950's but today the has reached to 99% making television usage immensely common in daily life and increasing behavioural changes with negative reforms (Muschert & Sumiala, 2012). Researchers argue that Television and media are equal contributors for promoting violence. Some researchers also believe that moviemakers knowingly make movies with violent content because they think this would provide a chance to their shows to do well (Muschert & Sumiala, 2012). It happens; people like to see the violent content in movies and make use of these contents in real life. Media shows different acts of violence and people adopt these in order to threaten others in real life.

Media owners and movie makers have to realize the adverse effects that these shows of violence create. The attitude and behaviour of an individual develops according to the provided environment and surrounding present and the experiences that the individual has attained on regular basis. The violence on television is suspected by individuals' on regular basis, which leads them to losing their innocence and replacing it with contradictory behaviour of violence and threats. The consequences of watching violence on television are related to behavioural abuse with peers, parents, and the society (Kirsh, 2006).

According to the developmental perspective, aggression in children ...