Question

Explain how media can influence aggression. Refer to Social Media in your answer.

Answer 1

Media, including social media, can indeed influence aggression in several ways.

One way is through the portrayal of violence and aggressive behavior. When individuals are exposed to violent content, whether in movies, TV shows, or even on social media platforms, it can desensitize them to aggression and normalize violent behavior. This can lead to an increased acceptance and tolerance of aggression in real life.

Another way is through the spread of harmful ideologies and extremist views on social media. Online platforms can serve as echo chambers, where like-minded individuals reinforce each other's aggressive beliefs and behaviors. This can create an environment that promotes hostility and aggression towards those who hold different opinions or belong to certain groups.

Additionally, social media can facilitate cyberbullying, which involves the use of digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or harm others. The anonymity and distance provided by social media can embolden individuals to engage in aggressive behaviors they might not exhibit in face-to-face interactions. This can have severe psychological and emotional consequences for the victims.

It's important to recognize the influence that media, including social media, can have on aggression. Being critical consumers of media, promoting positive online interactions, and raising awareness about the potential negative effects of aggressive content are essential steps in mitigating the impact of media on aggression.

Answer 2

Media can influence aggression through exposure to violent content, with studies showing a causal link to increased aggression and desensitization. However, factors such as mental health and family background also play a role. The rapid spread of information on social media has been linked to increased verbal and physical violence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The influence of media on aggression is a hotly debated topic within the realm of psychology and social studies. Studies like those conducted by Anderson and Bushman have found evidence of a causal link between violent media exposure and increased aggression. This includes more aggressive thoughts and behaviors as well as potential desensitization to violence.

These findings are crucial as, on average, a high school graduate has been exposed to around 200,000 acts of violence via media. Understanding the impact of media socialization is essential, particularly as children who are exposed to media violence may learn to imitate these behaviors and become desensitized to the consequences of aggression.

However, the presence of other risk factors for aggression, such as family life and mental health issues, also need to be considered, as pointed out by researchers like Christopher Ferguson.

Social media, as a new and pervasive medium, further complicates this landscape. It has allowed for the rapid spread of information and, at times, misinformation which has been linked to an increase in both verbal and physical violence. Aggression and Violent Behavior and Media Gatekeeping provide frameworks to understand how the dissemination of violent content can influence public behavior and social norms.