Final answer:
Media narratives on mass violence often exclude detailed discussions of media violence, focusing more on lax gun control, violent masculinity, and poor parenting. Studies on media violence's effects offer mixed results, while gun control's role in mass shootings is frequently highlighted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Media coverage of mass murders and rampages typically includes discussions on a variety of factors that may have contributed to such events. However, one topic that is usually less emphasized in media narratives compared to others is media violence. Research, such as that by Anderson and Bushman (2011), Krahe et al. (2011), and Gentile, Mathieson, and Crick (2011), explores the nuanced relationship between exposure to violent media content and its potential to desensitize individuals and increase aggressive thoughts and behaviors. Despite some studies indicating a correlation between media violence and aggression, others have not found a definitive causal link. In contrast, discussions on lax gun control, violent masculinity, and poor parenting are more prominently featured as potential contributors to mass violence.
While the effects of media violence are still debated and require further research, the significance of other factors such as gun control has been widely noted. The ease of access to firearms and its possible connection to mass shootings is a recurring theme in these debates. For instance, the repeated mass shootings at schools in the United States and the access to guns by young individuals with mental health issues have led to arguments for and against stricter gun control measures.