Justin Johnson GE217 Wed.

. @ 6 Major Writing Assignment Violence in the Media Media entertainment is not responsible for real-life violence in the World today. This includes everything from the internet, TV, and video games alike. A violent individual decides to pursue violent actions from within and although media entertainment is violent and graphic, it does not promote violent actions. Once these violent individuals intend to commit a violent act, it isnt because the TV or video game promoted it but because their mind is set on destruction. Despite the fact that the media can offer ways to obtain information to help carry out the evil violent plan that one may be contemplating over, it still takes someone to carry out the evil endeavor. The globalization of media entertainment has made violent media more readily available over recent years but still remains to be staged. Real-life violence is never shown over the airways and without intense research over the internet it cannot be readily available there either. On average, children in 23 countries surveyed watch television three hours each day, and spend 50 percent more time watching the small screen than they spend on any other activity outside of school. (Violence in Media Entertainment, n.d.). This statistic shows that more children are more easily subject to see violence through the television than in past years and could be the reasoning behind those who believe that Television promotes violent actions while it is actually due to lack of parental control. Those parents who dont follow that may have a child exposed to violence too soon and may take the theatre to be realistic when it isnt. 56% of children between the ages of 8-16 have a television in their rooms. (Statistics, 16 Dec. 2005). This goes to show that parents should be sure to take precautionary actions to be sure that their kids are limited in viewing all the violent material that they can potentially become exposed to while alone. Nightly news coverage has become another concern. In spite of falling crime rates across North America, disturbing images of violent crime continue to dominate news broadcasting. (Violence in Media Entertainment, n.d.). This is because it seems that violence and sex sell well and keeps the viewer rating up. Is this the reason for the violence? I dont believe so and I also believe that the only reason for the more violent coverage is due to the fact that our society has advanced in technology over the years and more incidents are covered.

Since the dawn of television, parents, teachers, and mental health professionals have been concerned about the content of television programs and its impact, particularly on children. Violent video games are a even more recent phenomenon and therefore there is less research on their effects. However, research by psychologist Craig A. Anderson and others shows that playing violent video games can increase a person's aggressive thoughts, feelings and behavior both in laboratory settings and in actual life. In fact, a study by Dr. Anderson in 2000 suggests that violent video games may be more harmful than violent television and movies because they are interactive, very engrossing and require the player to identify with the aggressor. (Psychological Association, 19 Feb. 2004). These interactive video games are usually played online along with others to where it could be the other individual who could be tempting someone to perform violent acts on others. Violence seems to be growing worldwide but media entertainment is not the reason why people choose to perform violent acts. Interpersonal violence, as victim or as perpetrator, is now a more prevalent health risk than infectious disease, cancer, or congenital disorders for children, adolescents, and young adults. Homicide, suicide, and trauma are leading causes of mortality in the pediatric population, resulting in cumulative death rates of 22.8 per 100,000 in those 5 to 14 years of age and 114.4 per 100,000 in those 15 to 21 years of age. (Media Violence, 1 Nov. 2009). Internet and other media can give you much information on any subject but it really is that once these violent individuals intend to commit a violent act, it isnt because the TV or video game promoted it but because their mind is set on destruction.

Sources

"Violence in Media Entertainment." Media Awareness Network | Rseau ducation Mdias. Media Awareness Network, 2010. Web. 24 May 2011. <http://www.mediaawareness.ca/english/issues/violence/violence_entertainment.cfm>.

"Media Violence -- Committee on Public Education 108 (5): 1222 -- AAP Policy." AAP Policy - Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ed. Committee on Public Education. American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 Nov. 2009. Web. 24 May 2011. <http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/5/1222>.

"Statistics (Violence in the Media ) - National Center for Children Exposed to Violence NCCEV." The National Center For Children Exposed to Violence - Home Page. Ed. NCCEV. The National Center For Children Exposed to Violence, 16 Dec. 2005. Web. 24 May 2011. <http://www.nccev.org/violence/statistics/statistics-media.html>.

"Violence in the Media - Psychologists Help Protect Children from Harmful Effects." American Psychological Association (APA). Ed. (APA). American Psychological Association (APA), 19 Feb. 2004. Web. 24 May 2011. <http://www.apa.org/research/action/protect.aspx>.