Given that little evidence links media violence to serious physical aggression, bullying or youth violence, at present most of the debate appears to focus on whether media violence may have an impact on more minor forms of aggressiveness.
Although organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have suggested that thousands (approximately 3500 according to the AAP) of studies have been conducted confirming this link, others have argued that this information is incorrect.
Rather, only about two hundred studies confirmed by meta-analyses such as have been conducted in peer-reviewed scientific journals on television, movie, music and video game violence effects. Critics argue that about half find some link between media and subsequent aggression but not violent crime, whereas the other half do not find a link between consuming violent media and subsequent aggression of any kind. (Paik and Comstock, 1994)
There remains a wealth of evidence and testimony that violent media is associated with aggression. There also is a lack of conclusive evidence to prove such a theory is consistent over time and applicable to the population as a whole. This issue is emotionally charged and sensationalized in the media. Further research is needed to clarify to what extent violent media affects aggression in youth.
Given that little evidence links media violence to serious physical aggression, bullying or youth violence, at present most of the debate appears to focus on whether media violence may have an impact on more minor forms of aggressiveness.
Although organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have suggested that thousands (approximately 3500 according to the AAP) of studies have been conducted confirming this link, others have argued that this information is incorrect.
Rather, only about two hundred studies confirmed by meta-analyses such as have been conducted in peer-reviewed scientific journals on television, movie, music and video game violence effects. Critics argue that about half find some link between media and subsequent aggression but not violent crime, whereas the other half do not find a link between consuming violent media and subsequent aggression of any kind. (Paik and Comstock, 1994)
There remains a wealth of evidence and testimony that violent media is associated with aggression. There also is a lack of conclusive evidence to prove such a theory is consistent over time and applicable to the population as a whole. This issue is emotionally charged and sensationalized in the media. Further research is needed to clarify to what extent violent media affects aggression in youth.