If you're reading this, can you please proof read my psychology paper. Psychology is my worst/ most hated subject, and I've written this pretty much running on fumes, so to speak. Even if you don't know anything about psychology, can you please take a look and let me know if it flows logically? Because I'm reading it and I'm just getting the idea that it's all over the place like a mad woman's shit. :/
101557 The Individual in Society
Assessment 1: Literature Report
17504469 Leon Hussain
Word limit 1000 words
How does media violence affect behaviour?
Introduction
Media violence in itself has a vast array of effects on individuals in society. Violent acts portrayed in television programmes, movies, and in video games are absorbed by the minds of the majority of the westernised population, and through various levels of analysis, it can be shown that exposure to media of a violent nature can have a detrimental effect and negative impact on both the short and long term behaviour(s) of people who ingest this kind of material.
Levels of Analysis
In regards to media violence and how it can affect people, it is important to firstly understand that there are several different ways of looking at, breaking down, and categorising the various short and long term effects exhibited by those who have been subjected to media violence. Understanding the levels of analysis framework is paramount to fully understanding human behaviour. Passer & Smith (2010, p.18) breaks down the framework by stating;
First, we can analyse behaviour and its causes in terms of brain functioning and hormones, as well as genetic factors shaped over the course of evolution. This is the biological level of analysis.
Passer & Smith also delve further, explaining the concept of what is regarded as the psychological level of analysis, by describing it to be the level of analysis in which one looks at the cognitive abilities of an individual, as well as thoughts and memory, and in turn, how this affects behaviour. Finally, Passer & Smith discuss the third level of analysis, which encompasses and analyses factors in the environment and surrounds of a person and theorise as to how this may affect a persons behaviour; this is known as the environmental level of analysis.
Media Violence- short and long term affects
Media violence, generally speaking, is typically any form of violence portrayed within the framework of a mass-media outlet. In terms of actual reality, it is displayed by the news in forms of TV reports and radio bulletins. It also manifests itself in fictional programming, aired on television, but also written about in books, and a central theme in a vast majority of video games.
It is important not to underestimate the effects that the media can have on the psyche of individuals. Potter (2003, p.35) notes that;
The media can create, alter, and reinforce attitudes. When we are exposed to many violent occurrences in the media, we might form the opinion that the world is a mean and dangerous place. Also, over the long term, the media can reinforce and give greater weight to an existing opinion, making it more and more resistant to change.
Potter explores further, using the level of analysis framework to break down the affects of exposure to media violence and discussing both the short term (immediate) affects and long term (prolonged exposure). In regards to the biological level of analysis, Potter discusses immediate changes in behaviour and emotions of individuals exposed. Behavioural differences include various levels of imitation and copying, together with heightened levels of disinhibition. Varying levels of fear, desensitisation and catharsis are also identified. Long term exposure can include individuals generalising novel behaviour, nurturing a malformed superego, and engaging in training behaviour.
Subtle, short term psychological affects are described as a discernible difference in an individuals Fight-Flight response, as well as what is noted as excitation transfer. Individuals are also learning facts and learning behaviours. Long term exposure can result in psychological habituation and narcotising, together with the acquisition of social norms, and an increased change in cognitive patterns and function.
Finally, immediate environmental affects can result in a heightened level of social activity with groups of like minded individuals (video game forums, for example), and prolonged exposure, when coupled with the other levels of analysis, can result in a disengagement from social activity and reclusive activity.
Why is media violence an issue?
Anderson (2004, p.13) discusses the impact of violent video games on children, and states;
We know without a doubt that media violence increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behaviour in the immediate situation as well as over time, if there is repeated exposure over time we know that the negative effects of media violence are large enough to warrant serious concern by society; and violent video games are likely to be worse than television or movies.
While the message to be taken away from this is quite clear and concise, which is that exposure to media violence can have serious repercussions, both short and long term, it does raise a valid thesis- exposure to certain kinds of media violence will yield and encourage different kinds of behaviours.
Whilst Anderson is quick to mention that violent video games are likely to be worse than television or movies, generally speaking, all violent media can have a detrimental affect on human behaviour. Carnagey, Anderson & Bartholow (2007, p.178) reinforce this by relating media violence exposure to the General Aggression Model, and predicting that exposure to violent media increases aggressive behaviour through one of three primary pathways (arousal, cognitions, and affect).
Potter (2003) drives home the message by discussing the idea that society, over time, has become increasingly complacent with media violence, and as such, individuals have what is considered a narrow perspective on the immediate and long term affects of media violence. He notes;
A narrow perspective (towards the affects of media violence) includes only those things that show up in other people and those tings that usually occur immediately after the exposure. Until people understand that there is a wide variety of effects- many of them subtle and many that take a long time to manifest themselves- people will continue with their limited range of awareness.
Conclusion
Through the discussion and research provided by the various professionals referred to in this paper, it can be concluded that whether the general public is aware of it or not, media violence does in fact have a negative impact on the behaviours of those exposed to it. We can also see how the levels of analysis model is a useful tool in breaking down and understanding the mitigating factors that come with media violence and how it is absorbed by individuals who engage in the content, through identifying biological, psychological, and environmental catalysts.
References
Anderson, C 2004, Violence in the media: its effects on children, presentation for the Victorian Parenting Centre & Young Media Australia: Issues in parenting education, September 11, 2003
Carnagey, N, Anderson, C & Bartholow, B 2007, Media violence and social neuroscience: new questions and new opportunities, Current directions in psychological science, 16, 178-182
Passer, MW & Smith, RE 2010, The Science of Psychology in T Griffin (ed) 101557: The individual in society, McGraw-Hill Australia, North Ryde, NSW, pp. 01-27.
Potter, W 2003, Violence in the media does not affect me, but others are at high risk, in The 11 myths of media violence, Thousand Oaks, California, Safe Publications, pp. 31-51
101557 The Individual in Society
Assessment 1: Literature Report
17504469 Leon Hussain
Word limit 1000 words
How does media violence affect behaviour?
Introduction
Media violence in itself has a vast array of effects on individuals in society. Violent acts portrayed in television programmes, movies, and in video games are absorbed by the minds of the majority of the westernised population, and through various levels of analysis, it can be shown that exposure to media of a violent nature can have a detrimental effect and negative impact on both the short and long term behaviour(s) of people who ingest this kind of material.
Levels of Analysis
In regards to media violence and how it can affect people, it is important to firstly understand that there are several different ways of looking at, breaking down, and categorising the various short and long term effects exhibited by those who have been subjected to media violence. Understanding the levels of analysis framework is paramount to fully understanding human behaviour. Passer & Smith (2010, p.18) breaks down the framework by stating;
First, we can analyse behaviour and its causes in terms of brain functioning and hormones, as well as genetic factors shaped over the course of evolution. This is the biological level of analysis.
Passer & Smith also delve further, explaining the concept of what is regarded as the psychological level of analysis, by describing it to be the level of analysis in which one looks at the cognitive abilities of an individual, as well as thoughts and memory, and in turn, how this affects behaviour. Finally, Passer & Smith discuss the third level of analysis, which encompasses and analyses factors in the environment and surrounds of a person and theorise as to how this may affect a persons behaviour; this is known as the environmental level of analysis.
Media Violence- short and long term affects
Media violence, generally speaking, is typically any form of violence portrayed within the framework of a mass-media outlet. In terms of actual reality, it is displayed by the news in forms of TV reports and radio bulletins. It also manifests itself in fictional programming, aired on television, but also written about in books, and a central theme in a vast majority of video games.
It is important not to underestimate the effects that the media can have on the psyche of individuals. Potter (2003, p.35) notes that;
The media can create, alter, and reinforce attitudes. When we are exposed to many violent occurrences in the media, we might form the opinion that the world is a mean and dangerous place. Also, over the long term, the media can reinforce and give greater weight to an existing opinion, making it more and more resistant to change.
Potter explores further, using the level of analysis framework to break down the affects of exposure to media violence and discussing both the short term (immediate) affects and long term (prolonged exposure). In regards to the biological level of analysis, Potter discusses immediate changes in behaviour and emotions of individuals exposed. Behavioural differences include various levels of imitation and copying, together with heightened levels of disinhibition. Varying levels of fear, desensitisation and catharsis are also identified. Long term exposure can include individuals generalising novel behaviour, nurturing a malformed superego, and engaging in training behaviour.
Subtle, short term psychological affects are described as a discernible difference in an individuals Fight-Flight response, as well as what is noted as excitation transfer. Individuals are also learning facts and learning behaviours. Long term exposure can result in psychological habituation and narcotising, together with the acquisition of social norms, and an increased change in cognitive patterns and function.
Finally, immediate environmental affects can result in a heightened level of social activity with groups of like minded individuals (video game forums, for example), and prolonged exposure, when coupled with the other levels of analysis, can result in a disengagement from social activity and reclusive activity.
Why is media violence an issue?
Anderson (2004, p.13) discusses the impact of violent video games on children, and states;
We know without a doubt that media violence increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behaviour in the immediate situation as well as over time, if there is repeated exposure over time we know that the negative effects of media violence are large enough to warrant serious concern by society; and violent video games are likely to be worse than television or movies.
While the message to be taken away from this is quite clear and concise, which is that exposure to media violence can have serious repercussions, both short and long term, it does raise a valid thesis- exposure to certain kinds of media violence will yield and encourage different kinds of behaviours.
Whilst Anderson is quick to mention that violent video games are likely to be worse than television or movies, generally speaking, all violent media can have a detrimental affect on human behaviour. Carnagey, Anderson & Bartholow (2007, p.178) reinforce this by relating media violence exposure to the General Aggression Model, and predicting that exposure to violent media increases aggressive behaviour through one of three primary pathways (arousal, cognitions, and affect).
Potter (2003) drives home the message by discussing the idea that society, over time, has become increasingly complacent with media violence, and as such, individuals have what is considered a narrow perspective on the immediate and long term affects of media violence. He notes;
A narrow perspective (towards the affects of media violence) includes only those things that show up in other people and those tings that usually occur immediately after the exposure. Until people understand that there is a wide variety of effects- many of them subtle and many that take a long time to manifest themselves- people will continue with their limited range of awareness.
Conclusion
Through the discussion and research provided by the various professionals referred to in this paper, it can be concluded that whether the general public is aware of it or not, media violence does in fact have a negative impact on the behaviours of those exposed to it. We can also see how the levels of analysis model is a useful tool in breaking down and understanding the mitigating factors that come with media violence and how it is absorbed by individuals who engage in the content, through identifying biological, psychological, and environmental catalysts.
References
Anderson, C 2004, Violence in the media: its effects on children, presentation for the Victorian Parenting Centre & Young Media Australia: Issues in parenting education, September 11, 2003
Carnagey, N, Anderson, C & Bartholow, B 2007, Media violence and social neuroscience: new questions and new opportunities, Current directions in psychological science, 16, 178-182
Passer, MW & Smith, RE 2010, The Science of Psychology in T Griffin (ed) 101557: The individual in society, McGraw-Hill Australia, North Ryde, NSW, pp. 01-27.
Potter, W 2003, Violence in the media does not affect me, but others are at high risk, in The 11 myths of media violence, Thousand Oaks, California, Safe Publications, pp. 31-51