Created by T. Truitt MS

The Power of Media Why do people enjoy watching violence in the movies or on TV? –Images of violence produce strong emotions like shock and fright which can be thrilling to experience How many hours are spent in a week watching TV? –Many children and young people watch 20 to 40 hours a week or more. Much of what they see is violence.

Facts about the Media Prime time TV shows contain 5 violent episodes per hour. Cartoons contain up to 25 violent episodes per hour. Most children will see about 8,000 murders and 100,000 acts of violence on TV before they are out of grade school.

Movie and TV producers profit from showing violence. Violence is popular.

Other Media Over 75% of the video and computer games contain violence. Music sometimes contains messages about drugs, death, violence, etc. Video/Computer games and Music also distort reality.

Is Media Violence Harmful? Makes violence entertaining Makes pain and death seem unimportant. Promotes a casual attitude toward violence Glorifies violence Makes acting violent seem natural, even all right Makes people believe the world is more violent than it is Makes people fearful Makes some people want to act violently Makes violent people think they don’t have to change Shows how to carry out violent acts Teaches how to get away with committing violence

Many studies show that children who watch a great deal of media violence are more aggressive and violent, even when they grow up, than children who watch less.

Resisting False and Distorted Images Watch and listen less. Choose other activities Choose shows and music with positive messages Look for action shows that show the consequences of violence, or that focus on people and issues. Be aware that media images don’t always reflect reality.

Reality Check Is this what happens in real life? Do I agree with this image? Is there a good reason for this violence? Is it trying to make a point, or is it just there to give viewers a safe thrill? What would be the consequences of this violence in real life? Are these consequences shown? Are the good guys always right no matter what they do? Are the bad guys shown as deserving what they get, even if it’s vigilante, or illegal violence? Is this the best way to resolve this conflict? How else might this conflict be resolved?

How does the media influence YOUR self-image?