Argument Map: Does the Media Desensitize us to violence and crime? by Daniela Rodriguez

Types & the Extent of Media Depicting Violence

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

Different forms of media (e.g. Television, Video Games, News Media, Social media, etc.) start influencing individuals as young as children throughout their adolescence. Exaggeration of violent scenes (blur between fantasy and reality), violent scenarios in virtual settings, artistically pleasing violent presentations, etc. are multiple forms that have become a normalization of violence. The repetition and intensity within diverse audiences has allowed for desensitization to rise.

Considerations of Media Literacy: Can this justify the consumption of violence/crime in media?

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

Some argue that media literacy in education serves to recognize the impact violence/crime has on behavior and attitude. That through this form of education, individuals are able to recognize how different forms of media (e.g. films, shows, news, etc.) and the message behind them to properly educate themselves and create their own judgements. Yet, as we've seen with the rise of violence-based video games and the fascination of true podcasts over the past years, that media literacy does very little to younger audiences who don't understand concepts. They haven't properly developed to analyze messages in media or differentiate between fantasy and reality. Educational gaps additionally are a huge factor to consider regarding younger audience consumption of violence/cirme in media and their psychological impacts.

The Psychological Mechanisms of Desensitization

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

The correlation between neurological responses, exposure time, and individual development influence the mechanisms behind desensitization and its after effects (e.g. behavioral issues, etc.). Desensitization is the process that involves a change in emotional responsiveness and with the overexposure of violence/crime in the media, there has been an increase of this as a result of a decreased arousal to violent stimuli. The Brain uses "desensitization" as a form of protection to manage the emotional strain of the body that tends to range depending on the individual and on the type of violent stimuli, according to Dr. Anderson, may worsen or lighten the conditions of an individual.

Ethical Responsibility

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

Considering this, those who distribute information and create media (e.g. content creators, parents, etc.) should be held to an ethical responsibility on portraying violence in a realistic manner( e.g. stop glorification of violence, fact-based media potrayal, etc.) but also regulating younger audiences to prevent worsening of psychological problems. Behavioral consequences follow an "inconsistent regulation with spikes in desensitized responses, increase of aggression behavior, and the act of dehumanization" (NIH). Media control makes it hard to articulate proper guidelines simply because of different consumers and different audiences on different media platforms.

Desensitization Example--Rise in True Crime Podcasts

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

Although all media plays a role in the rise in desensitization, the surge in popularity of True Crime podcasts ( a specific form of media) demonstrates the strong power and influence media has on individuals. With a fascination of crime and mystery, individuals regularly exposed to detailed accounts lead to a desensitization and emotionally distance themselves from these acts. It raises the question of ethical considerations and balancing entertainment.

Multiple sources of Media; Better spread of information

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

While America in the 21st century has gained a multitude of different media outlets for all people to gain access to, different states have different regulations on access to media. In addition to this, if we were to think about this from a global perspective can all people receive proper information or the education needed to form their own thoughts on incidents? With proper information, individuals have a better understanding of what content to consume and what they can gain our of it. This can lead to a decrease in desensitization and a decrease in psychosocial impacts on both individuals and society

Controlled Consumption

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

The main impact from exposure to violence and media is the desensitization to media violence. Yet another would be increased aggressive behavior, aggressive cognitions, and the normalization of beliefs regarding aggression. By controlling media consumption, individuals are less likely to desensitize themselves to violence/crime which lets them have higher levels of empathy. Also, with decreased anxiety and fear individuals can persevere their mental health,

Argument: Does the Media Desensitize us to violence and crime?

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4522002/#:~:text=In%20the%20context%20of%20media,491).

https://www.michigandaily.com/michigan-in-color/desensitization-through-statistics/

Yes

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

Constant exposure to violence/crime in media desensitizes individuals, influences perspectives of fear and the consequences of such events, and affects behavior (e.g. aggression, etc.) of newer generations--ideally children ad adolescents.

No

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

Media coverage raises awareness on global/ societal issues that educate others on the reality of current day situations (e.g. Israel-Palestine war) while promoting societal change through different media outlets (e.g. documentaries, news, etc.). With the emphasis of media literacy, individuals have the responsibility in choosing what content to consume and helps individuals to analyze/understand situations that aid in making informed choices. Individuals react differently so it's additionally argued to be subjective.

Mindful Engagement

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

It's relatively easy with media nowadays to become self invested in a series or podcast so it's important to be aware of the issues that arise in such scenarios and to consider them from an ethical perspective. Discussing and engaging media content allows for sharing of different perspectives and insights that may help in setting boundaries and limit the over exposure of violence/crime media one consumes

Controlled Consumption or is it really just Avoidance?

der130_ — 2023-11-17 16:21:36 UTC

Some individuals simply avoid media circulating on violence/crime which ultimately impacts their awareness and their analytical abilities. One would assume that the "out of sight, out of mind" ideal would promote positive values and potentially reduce behavioral/psychological impacts but in reality, it leads to a shift in society. This can have the opposite effects and lead to a bigger educational gap within our society, increase the possibilities of inaccurate information spreading and worsen psychological impacts.