Disinhibition

• the norms and values of the society we live in influence our behaviour. what is viewed as acceptable is primarily acquired through social transmission. when an individual views a behaviour as wrong, individuals avoid acting out the behaviour
• according to the disinhibition explanation, watching or playing violent media can change what an individual sees as acceptable behaviour. aggression is usually inhibited by social norms. exposure to violent messages in the media justifies the use of violence in real life. it undermines the social norms that usually inhibit violent behaviour, and people become disinhibited to aggression
• in the short-tern, violence in media cause an immediate rise in physiological arousal. in this state, inhibitions are temporarily suppressed, leading to an increased chance of aggressive behaviour
• in the long term, violent media gives the message that violence is a normal part of everyday life. when violence is justified or unpunished on television, any guilt about consequences is reduced. this makes it more likely an individual will respond to situation aggressively
• Berkowitz and Alioto (1973) carried out a laboratory experiment, in which participants who saw a film depicting aggression as vengeance game more fake electric shocks to a confederate. for this, researchers concluded that disinhibition of aggression is more likely to occur if the viewed aggression is seen as justified
• Heath et al (1989) claimed that children who grow up with strong norms against violence are less likely to become disinhibited enough from exposure to violent media to exhibit aggressive behaviour. disinhibition is stronger in children who experience physical punishment from their parents and where they identify more with violent heroes
• Collins (1989) suggested that younger children are more likely to be affected by disinhibition because they are more likely to be drawn into high-action violent episodes without considering the motives or consequences