Technological Influence

The Consumption of Violence

(Content Advisory: Mention of school shootings)

The debate on if violence in our media affects our violent tendencies has been had for nearly a century. Yet, a causation has still not truly reached by researchers due to the complexities of human nature. So, what do we know?

First, any type of media we consume-- any type of symbol we encounter-- will have some kind of effect on us. Though it may not be the case that one will purchase and use a gun after seeing a gun on television, the presence of the gun will take some credit in their life, no matter how deep that perception lies in their brain. Recent media has been especially violent, often utilizing shock and gore to make a point in the plotline. When we consume this media, we are drawn to it in some way. In fact, now more than ever, people of all ages are consuming more violent media. That being said, violence has become a feat that is more and more normal, and even expected in some cases, to present in media. 

The National Institute of Mental Health has identified that, when exposed to violent media, children could face three major effects-- a.) they become less sensitive to pain and tragedy around them, b.) they become more fearful of their surroundings, and c.) they become more likely to act in aggressive ways towards others. Each of these factors are influenced by how violent media can specifically target the minds of youth, as they are still actively developing. Thus, when engaging in these topics, adolescents will be significantly more affected by them, as they do not hold the resources to remedy the connotatively negative situations. It is important to consider, however, that these issues do not only affect our youth, but simply their minds are more easily tainted. 

a.) When we have a constant receiving of this type of information, we become accustomed and used to it. Then, it is far easier to digest the next time we come across it. This notion is called desensitization, and relates to the way that we can learn to accept something when it has been a part of ourselves for long enough. More than ever, we are open to the idea of violence because, simply put, it is more widespread than ever. Even if our country is not more violent than it has been in prior years, the violence that does occur is much easier to access: the news is publishing a new tragedy daily, movies centered around these ideas are easily accessible, etc.

b.) When it comes to a lack of trust, our society has faced a massive shift from openness and collectivist traits, instead focusing on our individual selves far more often. A PEW Research study found that 71% of Americans believe that interpersonal confidence (trust within one another) has decreased in the past 20 years. When we consider the vast changes and challenges our society has faced, it becomes clear why this trust may be continuing to diminish. As mentioned prior, when we experience more violence in our lives (be it through actually facing a traumatic event or simply observing one), we are more likely to be fearful of that instance.

c.) Though there is no direct causation toward the consumption of violent media and exhibiting violent traits, a definite correlation has been explored. We can explore this premise through the idea of mirroring (or, the idea that when we see someone or something that we want to explore, be like, or mimic, we will either consciously or subconsciously follow them). Whether positive or negative, we become drawn to ideas that we are intrigued by. Thus, it is more likely that we will pick up on these ideas in some way and mimic them in our own respect. What is described as the catalyst of a movement towards the uptick in U.S. mass shootings, in 1999 Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire on Columbine High School. At first, the public was left with little answers on the reason for this tragic occurrence. The only connection they could find at the end of the day was a slew of violent media present on the two boys' computer history: their long coats and chosen weaponry was similar to The Matrix franchise, they had enjoyed listening to Marilyn Manson, and they often partook in playing violent video games. Whereas this instance is not described as the concrete reason that the perpetrators made the decision they did on that fateful day, it is widely regarded as having contributed in some way.

Especially when it comes to mirroring, social media has a substantial effect on the way that we receive content and then go on to form our own meanings around that content. An online presence is an essential part of one's daily life. As of February 2025, 5.24 billion (or, 63.9% of the world's population) are social media users. The idea of a screen makes it easy to blend in, and often, we only choose to share the best parts of our lives for others to perceive on these social sites. That said, we also often sensationalize much of what we post online. When others observe the items that we post, whether they are negative or not, we are able to frame these items in an entrancing light, and thus they are more likely to be admired and then mirrored.