Does Media Violence Cause Violent Behavior? An Essay Analysis

This essay, addressing the question of whether media violence causes violent behavior, argues against a direct causal link. It acknowledges the media's significant reach and influence, particularly on children, but emphasizes that individual behavior is shaped by a multitude of factors, including cultural, social, personal, and psychological influences. The essay references studies and literature to support the claim that psychological disorders, personal experiences, and other environmental factors play a more crucial role in determining aggressive behavior than media consumption. While recognizing that media can influence individuals, especially younger audiences, the essay posits that it is not the primary cause of violence in society. The essay concludes that children need guidance and monitoring to understand media content, and adults are primarily entertained by violent content. The essay provides references to support the arguments.

Running head: MEDIA VIOLENCE DOES NOT CAUSE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
MEDIA VIOLENCE DOES NOT CAUSE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
Name of the student:
Name of the university;
Author note:
The impact of media has been a topic of debate for years and it is not surprising that it
has been constant for since years. The impact of media has been one of the major concern since
its beginning due to its capability of reaching large population in less or no time (Katz,
Lazarsfeld & Roper, 2017). In the similar aspect, one of the most crucial and controversial
debate is whether media is causes violent behavior. The essay aims to argue on media as the
cause of aggressive and violent behavior.
It has been said many times that watching violence or aggressive behavior on television
can contribute to the violent behavior. In another meaning, watching violent can influence a
person behaving in that particular manner. However, the theory can be rejected on basis of
several facts. People are fascinated and excited when they watch a violence or crimes. However,

1MEDIA VIOLENCE DOES NOT CAUSE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
reacting in the same manner is not similarly easy (Sandberg, Tutenges & Copes (2015). Millions
of people are viewing violence every day only as a form of entertainment. It is majorly for the
purpose of recreation that a person uses from their daily lives.
According to critics, behavior is determined by several factors such as cultural, social,
personal and psychological factors. Critics argue that behavior cannot be determined only by
inherited factors, evidences shows that cognitive abilities, personality traits and psychological
disorders are also responsible for human behaviors. Therefore, to perceive media violence as the
cause of violence in society would be only a false assumption.
According to Feldman (2013), severe psychological disorders can be cause of aggressive
behavior among children, adolescents and old age people. While for children various causes of
aggressive behavior would involve witnessing domestic violence, harsh punishment, for
adolescents can involve work stress or family issues. For old age people, the causes of
aggression can vary from financial worry to loss of loved ones. The problems mentioned for the
three age groups are issues that are acute and need mental health help which causes the
aggressive behavior. A factor like media violence is, therefore a mere entertainment and a
problem much smaller comparatively.
According to Jewkes and Linnemann (2017), despite all the facts, it cannot be denied that
media has the power to influence. Especially children and young adults. Children may act
aggressively or violently in order to enact their favorite actor or role model. However, for adults,
certainly the influence is much lesser and the primary objective is entertainment. Children should
be guided and monitored when they are using media. It is important for the parent to ensure that
children understand that perception of the material showed to them by adults.

2MEDIA VIOLENCE DOES NOT CAUSE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
Influence of media can be in various ways however it cannot be held responsible as a
major cause of violence in the society. People are dominated by their psychological factors,
therefore, there are other important factors that can be called as the causes of violence or causes
of aggressive behavior.

3MEDIA VIOLENCE DOES NOT CAUSE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
References:
Feldman, R. S. (2013). Psychology and your life. McGraw-Hill.
Jewkes, Y., & Linnemann, T. (2017). Media and Crime in the US. Sage Publications.
Katz, E., Lazarsfeld, P. F., & Roper, E. (2017). Personal influence: The part played by people in
the flow of mass communications. Routledge.
Sandberg, S., Tutenges, S., & Copes, H. (2015). Stories of violence: A narrative criminological
study of ambiguity. British Journal of Criminology, 55(6), 1168-1186.