Desensitization and Media Violence
Discuss the relationship between violence in the media violence in the society. Does violence in the media make people more tolerant of violence in the society? Also, does violence in the media cause people to behave violently?
The impact of violence in the media relating to the society is an intense topic discussed in this century. Gerbner defined violence as “a threat or use of physical force, directed against the self or others in which physical harm or death is involved” (cited in Giddens, 2006, p. 610). The media includes different means of communication, such as television, radio, newspapers, video games; internet etc. People make use of media as a source of information, entertainment and leisure activity (Brown, 2005, p. 161). According to O’Donnell (2005), the two main roles of the media are to make profit in terms of money and promote particular ideology. The information that people see, hear or read has great influence on people’s identities, values and interests. It also affects the way people think and act regarding particular issues based on the “provided” evidence (Brown, 2005,p. 162). However, people have ability to evaluate and decide what they hear, see or read based on their social experiences, ethnic origin, social class and gender (Brown, 2005, p. 185). Now, the questions arise as, what is the relationship between media violence and the violence in the society? Whether media violence cause people to behave violently or it desensitizes people?
Throughout this century, sociologists and researchers have examined these issues and have attempted to explain or disprove it using different theories and researches. In the first place, the media plays great role in shaping values, attitudes and behaviour through norm setting agenda. It reinforces conformity to social norms and discourages non-conformist behaviour (Brown, 2005, p.169). It also provides other information that the society feels important like weather and health. However, conflict
The impact of violence in the media relating to the society is an intense topic discussed in this century. Gerbner defined violence as “a threat or use of physical force, directed against the self or others in which physical harm or death is involved” (cited in Giddens, 2006, p. 610). The media includes different means of communication, such as television, radio, newspapers, video games; internet etc. People make use of media as a source of information, entertainment and leisure activity (Brown, 2005, p. 161). According to O’Donnell (2005), the two main roles of the media are to make profit in terms of money and promote particular ideology. The information that people see, hear or read has great influence on people’s identities, values and interests. It also affects the way people think and act regarding particular issues based on the “provided” evidence (Brown, 2005,p. 162). However, people have ability to evaluate and decide what they hear, see or read based on their social experiences, ethnic origin, social class and gender (Brown, 2005, p. 185). Now, the questions arise as, what is the relationship between media violence and the violence in the society? Whether media violence cause people to behave violently or it desensitizes people?
Throughout this century, sociologists and researchers have examined these issues and have attempted to explain or disprove it using different theories and researches. In the first place, the media plays great role in shaping values, attitudes and behaviour through norm setting agenda. It reinforces conformity to social norms and discourages non-conformist behaviour (Brown, 2005, p.169). It also provides other information that the society feels important like weather and health. However, conflict
References: Brown, K., (2005), An introduction to sociology, Third edition O’Donnel, G., (2005), Mastering Sociology, Palgrave Master Series, Fourth edition Giddens, A., (2006), Sociology, Fifth edition Funk, J.B Anderson, C. A. et al. (2003), The influence of media violence on youth, American Physiological Society Schechter, D Ferguson, C. J. et al (2008), VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES AND AGGRESSION: Causal Relationship or Byproduct of Family Violence and Intrinsic Violence Motivation?, Texas A&M International University Bushman, B Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control Huesmann L R