MEDIA VIOLENCE AND DESENSITIZATION
Desensitization is a well-documented consequence of years-long exposure to media violence. From early exposure, children—especially boys—learn that aggression pays off (Bushman, Gollwitzer, & Cruz, 2015). Aggression—especially if it means you “win” the game, “defeat” the adversary, or “force” a resolution to a conflict—earns the aggressor attention, praise, respect, reverence, adoration, money, and power. These are the rewards that often accompany aggression portrayed by the film industry (e.g., Die Hard, Die Hard 2, Die Hard With a Vengeance, Live Free or Die Hard, A Good Day to Die Hard), making it more likely that the aggressive behavior will persist. The number of films in this series is evidence of their popularity. From classical conditioning theory, we learn that bad behavior paired with rewards can make the bad behavior desirable; moreover, the prevalence of violence in the media, over time, normalizes it. Studies show that when exposed to violent films daily over a week’s time, participants rate films as less violent with each film viewed (Dexter, Penrod, Linz, & Saunders, 2006). This is evidence of desensitization.
Desensitized people tend not to acknowledge the effects of media violence, because they don't see that there's a problem. However, a growing body of research finds that desensitized individuals downplay or tend not to acknowledge egregious harm done to others; because a steady diet of violent media normalizes violent behavior, injury suffered by people in real life does not seem like cause for concern (Vossen, Piotrowski, & Valkenburg, 2016). That's the nature of desensitization, and that is indeed a problem.
Convinced there is no harm in violent media consumption—that their behavioral tendencies will not have been influenced by it—desensitized consumers probably would not be interested in changing their media viewing habits (Funk, Baldacci, Pasold, & Baumgardner, 2004).
Sample Solution
Desensitization is a process in which people become less sensitive to harmful or unpleasant stimuli. In the context of media violence, desensitization refers to the phenomenon of people becoming less upset or disturbed by violent images and descriptions over time. There is a growing body of research that suggests that desensitization to media violence can have a number of negative consequences, including:- Increased aggression. Studies have shown that people who are desensitized to media violence are more likely to behave aggressively themselves. This is because they have become less sensitive to the harmful effects of violence, and they are more likely to view violence as a normal and acceptable way to resolve conflict.
Full Answer Section
- Reduced empathy. Desensitization to media violence can also lead to reduced empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This is because people who are desensitized to violence are less likely to feel the same level of distress when they see others being hurt.
- Increased tolerance for violence. Desensitization to media violence can also lead to increased tolerance for violence in real life. This is because people who are desensitized to violence are more likely to view it as a normal and acceptable part of society.
- The amount of exposure to violent media. The more people are exposed to violent media, the more likely they are to become desensitized to it.
- The type of violent media. Some types of violent media, such as realistic and graphic violence, are more likely to lead to desensitization than other types of violent media.
- The individual's personality. Some people are more likely to become desensitized to media violence than others. This is because some people are naturally more aggressive or less empathetic than others.
- Limiting exposure to violent media. The less people are exposed to violent media, the less likely they are to become desensitized to it.
- Choosing non-violent media. There are many non-violent forms of media that can be enjoyed instead of violent media.
- Talking to children about the effects of media violence. Parents and other adults can talk to children about the harmful effects of media violence and help them to understand the difference between fantasy and reality.