desensitisation as an explanation of media influence
- Created by: Aimee W x
- Created on: 14-03-22 11:43
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- Desensitisation as an explanation of media influence
- idea that repeated exposure to media violence removes the anxiety that normally inhibits aggressive behaviour, making aggression more likely.
- when we witness violence, we experience physiological arousal associated with the sympathetic nervous system and it is argued it inhibits aggressive behaviour.
- however, when we repeatedly experience violence, we experience less arousal overtime and so when conflict arises, we are more likely to respond aggressively.
- desensitisation takes a long time and is the result of numerous repeated exposures to violent films or video games.
- support comes from researchers. found participants who reported regularly viewed violent media showed lower levels of arousal when shown violent clips tha non regular viewers. Lower arousal was correlated with unprovoked aggression in a noise blast task. this supports that regular exposure to media aggression does desensitise the viewer, but it is also linked to higher levels of unprovoked aggression
- criticised for not measuring real life aggression. blasting noise at a non existent opponent is very different to real life aggression. futhermore as aggression is correlated with desensitisastion, we cannot say it causes aggression, merely that they are linked.
- has both positive and negative real life consequences (+) army troops become desensitised to horrors of combat so can be more effective soldier. (-)researchers exposure to violence can reduce helping behaviour as they become comfortably numb to pain and suffering of others - consequently less helpful
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