Media

• Media & Aggression


  The media, including films, television, and computer games, may affect people’s aggression by observing various role models. It is essential to understand the three fundamental mechanisms that drive this effect: desensitization, disinhibition, and cognitive priming
• Violence in Games


  The level of violence in computer games has increased significantly. As players engage with these games, they may become less sensitive to violence and even receive positive rewards for committing violent acts. This reinforcement of aggressive behavior can then spill over into real life or result in the removal of social constraints against aggression
• Excessive TV viewing


  Research has established a link between excessive television viewing and aggressive behavior. Robertson et al. (2013) studied over 1,000 New Zealanders and found that higher TV viewing hours during childhood and adolescence reliably predicted aggressive behaviors in early adulthood, including violent crime convictions. The study suggests that excessive TV viewing may lead to reduced social interaction and poor educational outcomes, which indirectly contribute to aggression. This relationship appears to hold regardless of whether the TV content is violent.
• Limitation


  Excessive television viewing is linked to aggressive behavior. Robertson et al. (2013) found childhood and adolescent TV viewing predicted aggressive actions in adulthood, including violent crime convictions. A key limitation is the varying definition of aggression, ranging from violent behavior (DeLisi et al.) to non-physical actions like directing white noise at opponents (Bartholow and Anderson) or criminal convictions (Robertson et al.). This inconsistency complicates comparisons, as aggression and violence are not synonymous, and not all aggression leads to violence or crime.
• Strength


  Craig Anderson et al. (2010) conducted a meta-analysis of 136 studies, using various measures of aggression, including behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. The analysis revealed a significant link between violent computer games and increased aggression in both males and females, with stronger effects in higher-quality studies. Meta-analyses, by incorporating diverse aggression definitions, provide a robust method for understanding media's impact on aggression.