1 - Desensitization Demystified : The Influence of Violence in Media

A splash of pictures depicting violence in media materials associated with extensive violence

The onslaught of violence has been relentless especially in its portrayal in the mediasphere. Over sixty percent of television shows aired during prime time contain some form of violence (Tompkins, 2003).  Such brutality and savagery are celebrated extensively by the very idols that youths immortalise.

Violent movies ("Saw" and "Final Destination" Series) featuring intense gore. Ironically, they have both appealed to a niche market as their subsequent sequels are numerous and successful.

Morality is called into question as such portrayals of violence undermine the moral growth of youths – youths who are only beginning to solidify the foundation of their identities. Studies have shown that exposure to media violence increases the likelihood of physical and verbal aggression in both children and adults (C.A Anderson et al., 2003).

The trailer for Spartacus : Vengeance, a hit TV series that focuses on Spartacus and his struggle to abolish slavery. This series promotes extensive blood, gore and sex to 'realise' the actual circumstances in ancient Rome.

Spartacus: Vengeance, the second season to a series on Singapore’s local Channel 5, exemplifies the epitome of violence. The catchphrase “The Fight for Freedom is fuelled by Vengeance” and accompanying scenes of blood and gore immediately evoke the vehemence we have long grown accustomed to.

The movie '300' and its flamboyant display of blood and aggression. These posters can be seen everywhere during its screening, allowing masses to preview media violence in its full glory.

Through such constant exposure, youths gradually become immune to the media’s graphic content. Studies have shown that media violence decreases helping behaviour and desensitizing viewers to violence (Carnagey, Anderson, & Bushman, 2007). This lack of sensitivity propagates a culture of recklessness and immorality that can ultimately reverse the ethical progress of modern society.

The infamous gameplay in the first-person shooter "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" allowing players to kill hundreds of innocents in an airport as an act of terrorism. (Massacre starts at around 1:35)

However, this is not entirely true. The correlation between media violence and aggression can reflect a variety of underlying causal relationships. It is possible that aggressive children are naturally drawn to violence or the genetic predisposition to aggressiveness leads to both the preference for violent shows and high aggressiveness. (Weiten, 2007) Our concern is therefore unfounded because this may apply only to children with innate aggressive tendencies.

Still, the broadcast of media is widespread so even a small consequence from media violence can have unintended repercussions. Its presentation can escalate into an actual emulation of the aggression.

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References

Carnagey, N. L., Anderson, C. A., & Bushman, B. J. (2007). The effect of video game violence on physiological desensitization. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 43, 489-496 

Ivory, J. D. and Kalyanaraman, S. (2007). The Effects of Technological Advancement and Violent Content in Video Games on Players’ Feelings of Presence, Involvement, Physiological Arousal, and Aggression. Journal of Communication, 57: 532–555.

Tompkins A. (2003). The Psychological Effects of Violent Media on Children, http://allpsych.com/journal/violentmedia.html Accessed February 14, 2012.

Weiten W. (2007). Psychology: Themes and Variations, Eighth Edition, p. 263