Two half-brothers, Victor Bautista (20 years old) and Matthew Montejo (15 years old), committed a highly brutal act in Riverside, California. They killed their mother, being influenced by an episode from the TV show “The Sopranos.” In this particular episode, a fictional mobster named Tony Soprano commits a similar crime to prevent identification by dismembering and disposing of body parts. Following suit, the brothers strangled their mother before decapitating her and removing her hands.
Albert Bandura’s Observational theory is considered the most relevant to criminology among all behavior theories. Bandura conducted an experiment involving the “Bobo doll” which showed that children imitate aggression towards these dolls, illustrating how people, especially children, learn through observation and how aggression can be rewarding. This theory also explains why violent media has a strong impact, as children tend to mimic what they see in the media, particularly other children and young people (Bandura, 1976: pp. 206-208). Extensive research has been conducted over the past 30 years on the correlation between televised violence and violent behavior among youth.
Multiple types of studies, including longitudinal, cross-sectional, and experimental designs, have consistently verified the correlation between televised violence and its effects. The prevalence of televised violence has continuously risen in parallel with the growing number of televisions in American households. In 1950, a mere 10% of American homes had a television; presently, this figure has escalated to 99%. Furthermore, more than half of children currently possess a television in their bedrooms.
According to research, children spend more time watching television than going to school, which increases their chances of viewing unsupervised TV programs. It is estimated that American children witness over 200,000 acts of violence and 16,000 murders before the age of 18. On average, there are about 812 violent acts displayed per hour on television shows, with children’s programming, especially cartoons, reaching up to 20 violent acts per hour. Furthermore, new forms of violence may be encountered by youngsters; for instance, a recent study found that about 15% of music videos contain interpersonal violence.
The Internet and video games are another new source of violent exposure. The incidence of violence on the Internet is not well-documented, but there is concern about websites that promote violence, offer information on making explosive devices, or provide instructions on obtaining firearms (Beresin E.M.D., Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Training at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital). Bandura effectively explains four processes that influence the observer when exposed to any model. These processes are attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation, as explained earlier.
In simple terms, what we take in is what we see. I firmly believe that media violence affects the aggression we witness in society, as multiple studies have shown. This exercise has allowed me to explore this topic and increase my understanding of how media violence contributes to the aggression we observe today. The research we are about to examine supports this viewpoint. “Since the 1930s, there has been an ongoing debate on whether exposure to violent media has harmful effects on young people. The answer is yes! Even before television became widespread in the 1950s, research had already discovered potential harmful effects of violent movies. The 1982 NIMH report further confirmed this conclusion, and numerous reputable health organizations share the same belief that media violence contributes to aggressive behavior.”
The media is essential for informing, educating, and entertaining the public. Technology has made information easily accessible with just a click, connecting the world as a global village. However, along with its positive impact, the media has also introduced negative consequences such as media violence and its link to aggression. These harmful effects have greatly affected society. A tragic event in 1993 shocked both British society and the world – two eleven-year-old boys in England abducted and murdered two-year-old James Bulger.
The boys were influenced by a video called “Child’s 3” that they rented. In the video, two boys kidnapped a baby doll, painted its face blue, killed it, and left it on a railway track for a train to pass. Unfortunately, James Bulger’s body, covered in blue paint, was discovered on a railway track. This disturbing incident highlights that there are psychopaths who are mentally disturbed and have access to firearms. All they need is to learn from media violence the methods of inflicting harm on innocent people, making it the primary tool for guiding them in committing such heinous acts.
Investigators have found that Adam Lanza, the person responsible for the mass shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, was fixated on infamous murderers he had watched on TV news. One of his inspirations was Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian man who killed 77 people in Oslo in July 2011. Reports suggest that Lanza aimed to exceed Breivik’s actions and planned to take more lives on December 14th, the fateful day when he targeted Sandy Hook Elementary School. Choosing the school appeared to be an effortless decision for Lanza.
According to Boxer (2004-2009), research shows a link between exposure to media violence and an escalation in violent behavior, regardless of other variables. Adolescents who are exposed to violent media are more likely to engage in violence compared to those who are not exposed. Additionally, the general population has developed a preference for violent programming and has begun imitating the observed violence. Consequently, aggression, brutish behavior, and impulsive actions have become widespread within American society. Clearly, the negative impacts of violence depicted in the media extend throughout society.
The Federal Communication Commission’s attempt to assist in censorship efforts in 2000 appears to have been ineffective. During that year, they enforced a regulation mandating the inclusion of a device called the V-Chip in all television sets with screens larger than 13 inches. This device had the ability to block programs based on their ratings. Starting from January 1st, 2000, televisions exceeding 13 inches were obligated to be equipped with the V-Chip technology.
Government has limited ability to address the issue, as the primary responsibility lies with parents to monitor their children’s media consumption. Unfortunately, it is often the most vulnerable children who have neglectful parents and are in need of protection. While media censorship is crucial, parents must also fulfill their role.
When the government takes action, it demonstrates concern for the situation. Waiting until things spiral out of control should be avoided, as prevention is key. It is commonly said that “a stitch in time saves nine.” Media violence has victimized children, teenagers, and other vulnerable individuals in society. Many families have experienced tragic losses due to its effects on aggression.
The exposure to media violence has robbed children of their innocence. Parents, school authorities, and society as a whole are overwhelmed by its impact on aggressive behavior. Governments face difficulties grappling with this issue and it should not be underestimated or downplayed; media violence does indeed influence violent or aggressive behavior.
