Effects of TV Violence
The Effects of Television Violence
The effect of TV violence on children is the most studied of the issues in this section. Over a thousand academic studies have been completed, with remarkably consistent results: media violence makes our kids more aggressive, less patient, and more fearful of the world around them. Watching violence desensitizes children to actual acts of violence. This is true even of cartoon violence, especially the "senseless mayhem" variety found in cartoon classics such as Tom & Jerry. Live action shows which show more realistic and disturbing depictions of violence have a more dramatic effect, particularly on younger children. The differences in the study conclusions, with a few exceptions, are primarily in the depth and severity of the impact.
While the TV industry is in denial about these studies for obvious economic reasons, many parents resist the conclusions for other reasons. "I watched Tom & Jerry and I turned out all right" is the most common reasoning. But this is a very unscientific response, since we don't know how we would have "turned out" without that influence; and self-perceptions of aggressive behavior are notoriously inaccurate. The different amounts of exposure also vary tremendously. Today's adults did not have the constant exposure that children do today.
| In logic, the statement "I watched Tom & Jerry and I turned out all right" or "I play violent video games and I haven't killed anybody" is known as
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The industry is fond of pointing out that there is no "smoking gun" connecting violent TV and events such as Columbine. "There are other factors involved," they say, "we're not to blame." In fact, the studies do not claim a direct and singular connection between watching violent TV and extreme violent acts. What the studies reveal is a very strong connection between watching violent TV and increased aggressiveness. A child in a nurturing family who is otherwise emotionally balanced will certainly not begin a shootout at school after watching a few episodes of Tom & Jerry. But the studies suggest that we have all become more aggressive, view the world as a more dangerous place, are less connected to others in society, and are less patient in situations of stress than we otherwise might be. Read HOW THE BELL CURVE WORKS, below.So while violent TV may not be the sole cause, it is probably a contributing factor. In many cases, the various factors do not produce external violence toward others, but depression, self-abuse, and eating disorders.
In 1992, the American Psychological Association's Task Force on Television and Society published a report that confirms the link between TV violence and aggression. The report, entitled Big World, Small Screen: The Role of Television in American Society, shows through corelation of many studies that the harmful effects of TV violence do exist. You can order a full copy of the report in the sidebar to the right.
Click here to read an overview of some major studies
Basically, what these studies indicate is that violent media images tend to make us all just a bit more aggressive and impatient. The effect is more dramatic on children, who mentally process media violence the same way they would actual violence -- and can be traumatized by exposure to excessively violent scenes. But we will all be more likely to perceive the world as being dangerous, will have a higher fear level, and will be more callous to the suffering of others. Obviously, this effect may be difficult to notice in a well-balanced person from a supportive and emotionally healthy family. But in a less controlled individual who may have other issues (lack of impulse control, drug or alcohol abuse, certain types of mental illness) the effects can be very serious. While the effect on a given individual may or may not be critical, the cumulative effect on our society is dramatic.
Helpful Links:
APA: Violence on Television - What do Children Learn? What Can Parents Do?
Review of Studies: IMPACT OF TELEVISED VIOLENCE
CHILDREN AND TELEVISION VIOLENCE by John P. Murray
It's a Mean World, Stay Tuned (PDF)
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