Recent Changes

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)

Media violence on TV is a reflection of the level of violence that occurs in the real world.
Many TV programmers argue that their shows just mirror the violence that goes on in the real world. Zev Braun, of CBS, in 1990 argued in a debate on the Violence Bill that, "We live in a violent society. Art imitates modes of life, not the other way around: it would be better for Congress to clean that society than to clean that reflection of society. (Anderson & Bushman, 2001)
References
Anderson, C. A. & Bushman, B. J. (2001) Media Violence and the American Public: Scientific Facts Versus Media Misinformation. American Psychologist, 56, 123-131.
Anderson C, & Dill K. (2000). Video games and aggressive thoughts, feelings and behavior in the laboratory and in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78, 772–790
Deselms J & Altman J. (2003). "Immediate and Prolonged Effects of Videogame Violence". Journal of Applied Social Psychology 33 (8): 1553
Ferguson C & Kilburn J. (2009). "The Public Health Risks of Media Violence: A Meta-Analytic Review". The Journal of Pediatrics 154 (5): 759–763.
Ferguson C, San Miguel C, & Hartley R. (2009). A multivariate analysis of youth violence and aggression: The influence of family, peers, depression and media violence. Journal of Pediatrics, 155(6), 904–908.

Some issues regarding research about the link between media violence and aggression.
A failure to employ standardized, reliable and valid measures of agression and media violence exposure.
to report reliability coefficients.reliability. Examples include
Failure to report negative findings.
Some scholars contend that many of the articles findings regarding a link between media violence and subsequent aggression actually have negative or inconclusive results. (Anderson and Dill, 2000). The problem of non-reporting of non-significant findings is a problem throughout all areas of science but may be a particular issue for publicized issues such as media violence.

Some issues regarding research about the link between media violence and aggression.
A failure to employ standardized, reliable and valid measures of agression and media violence exposure.
Scholars argue that the measurement tools involved are often unstandardized, sloppily employed and fail to report reliability coefficients. Examples include the "Competitive Reaction Time Test" in which participants believe that they are punishing an opponent for losing in a reaction time test by subjecting the opponent to noise blasts or electric shocks. There is no standardized way of employing this task, raising the possibility that authors may manipulate the results to support their conclusions. (Ferguson and Kilburn, 2009)
Failure to report negative findings.
Some scholars contend that many of the articles findings regarding a link between media violence and subsequent aggression actually have negative or inconclusive results. (Anderson and Dill, 2000). The problem of non-reporting of non-significant findings is a problem throughout all areas of science but may be a particular issue for publicized issues such as media violence.
Failure to account for "third" variables.
Several recent studies have found that, when factors such as mental health, family environment and personality are controlled, no predictive relationship between either video games or television violence and youth violence remain (Ferguson, San Miguel & Hartley, 2009)
Failure to adequately define "aggression."
Experimental measures of aggression have been questioned by critics (Deselms & Altman, 2003). The main concern of critics has been the issue of the external validity of experimental measures of aggression. Many experimental measures of aggression have been found questionable (Bushman & Anderson, 2002). Other studies fail to differentiate between aggression aimed at causing harm to another person, and aggressive play in which two individuals, usually children, may pretend to engage in aggressive behavior, but do so consensually for the purpose of mutual enjoyment. (Deselms & Altman, 2003).
Media violence rates are not correlated with violent crime rates.
One of the most convincing arguments that refutes a direct cause and effect for media violence and aggression involves a lack of correlation between the increase in violent media and the decrease of violent crime rates. For this theory to be true, media violence should be well correlated with violent crime. The homicide rate in the United States has never been higher than during the 1930s (Ferguson and Kilburn, 2009) There is also a lack of evidence that violent crime rates with the drop in the mid 1990s and have stayed low, during a time when media violence has continued to increase, and saw the addition of violent video games. (Ferguson, San Miguel & Hartley, 2009)
Media violence on TV is a reflection of the level of violence that occurs in the real world.
Many TV programmers argue that their shows just mirror the violence that goes on in the real world. Zev Braun, of CBS, in 1990 argued in a debate on the Violence Bill that, "We live in a violent society. Art imitates modes of life, not the other way around: it would be better for Congress to clean that society than to clean that reflection of society. (Anderson & Bushman, 2001)

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. {child in front of TV}

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)

{Itchy Scratchy.gif} Fight fight fight...the Itchy and Scratchy Show!
Social Effects Theories
affect aggression. I have included these theories to help you understand the basis for research and beliefs about behaviour. The first two (Social Learning and Social Cognitive theories) are perhaps the most important to understand the foundation laid for current research.
Social Learning Theory
up a Bobo doll and room with a Bobothe same doll to
The findings of this experiment suggest that children tended to model the behavior they witnessed in the video. This has been often taken to imply that children may imitate aggressive behaviors witnessed in media.
However, Bandura's experiments have been criticized (Gauntlett, 1995) on several grounds. First, it is difficult to generalize from aggression toward a bo-bo doll (which is intended to be hit) to person-on-person violence.
Secondly, it may be possible that the children were motivated simply to please the experimenter rather than to be aggressive. In other words, the children may have viewed the videos as instructions, rather than incentives to feel more aggressive.
being berated. This
This actual person-on-person
Social Cognitive Theory
Social cognitive theories build upon social learning theory, but suggest that aggression may be activated by learning and priming aggressive scripts. Desensitization and arousal/excitation are also included in latter social cognitive theories. The concept of desensitization has particularly gotten much interest from the scholarly community and general public. It is theorized that with repeated exposure to media violence, a psychological saturation or emotional adjustment takes place such that initial levels of anxiety and disgust diminish or weaken. (Ferguson & Dyck, 2012)
However the degree to which the simulation was "believable" to the participants, or to which the participants may have responded to "demand characteristics" is unclear. Nonetheless, social cognitive theory was arguably the most dominant paradigm of media violence effects for many years, although it has come under recent criticism (Vidal, 2003). Recent scholarship has suggested that social cognitive theories of aggression are outdated and should be retired (Freedman 2002)
Catalyst Model
the etiology (causes or origin) of violence.
However, media violence is explicitly not considered a causal influence according to this model, considered too weak an influence. Specific violent acts are "catalyzed" by stressful environment circumstances, with less stress required to catalyze violence in individuals with greater violence predisposition. Given that the Catalyst Model specifically deemphasizes media violence, this theory is directly at odds with most learning-focused media violence researchers. The Catalyst Model is a newer theory and has not been tested as extensively as other theoretical models.
Moral Panic Theory
violent stimuli.
Anderson,
References
Anderson, C. A. &and Bushman, B. J. (2001)2001. Media Violence Chen, M., &and Burrows, L. (1996). "Automaticity1996. Automaticity of Social Activation on Action".Action. Journal of
Comstock, G. &and Scharrer, E. (2003).2003. Meta-analyzing the pp. 205–226.
Ferguson & Dyck, 2012>Ferguson, Christopher (2012).
Ferguson, C. 2012. "Paradigm change General Aggression Model".Model. Aggression and 220–228.
Freedman, Jonathan L. (2002).J. 2002. Media violence effect on aggression.:aggression. Assessing the of Toronto Press.Press
Gauntlett, David (2005),2005, Moving Experiences, Libbey.
Sparks, G.G.,G, Sparks, E. A &E and Sparks, C.W. (2008)C. 2008 Media Violence. 269–286.
Vidal, M. Á.;M, Clemente, M.;M, Espinosa, P. (2003). "Types2003. Types of media acceptance in under-18s".under-18s. Aggressive Behavior (5): 381

The Issue:
Like everything they encounter early in life, what children see and hear in the media makes an impression in their lives.
violence is a staple ofingrained in our popular entertainment.
Normalizing Violence
Researchers have associated exposure to violent media with subsequent aggressive or risky behavior by children, teenagers and young adults. Media violence may instill a meaner, more frightening view of the world, making violence seem like a normal part of life and an acceptable way of solving problems. (Cantor, 2003)
Screen violence may also blunt the normally negative human reaction to real violence and its consequences.No one suggests that watching media violence is the sole reason that children commit violent acts, either as youth or adults. But it is one risk factor for youth violence. (Cantor, 2003)
Which Comes First?
violent media. This warning is either valid, or there to appease interest groups.
The Facts:
sexual activity. [1](Villani, 2001)
Viewing media through imitation. [2](Cantor, 2002)
A 15-year young adults. [3](Huesmann, 2003)
A U.S. violent behavior. [4](US Department of Health, 1993)
The effect cited study. [5]
Some evidence suggests that children who are more aggressive are drawn to watching more violence. But evidence is stronger that watching media violence is a precursor to increased aggression, said the U.S. surgeon general. [6](Paik and Comstock, 1994)
A large real-world aggression. [7](Villani, 2001)
Adolescents and acts against others, according to an article in Science. [8]others. (Johnson et. al, 2002)
Playing violent acceptable behavior. [9](Johnson et. al, 2002)
Regardless of their children. [10](Anderson CA, 2003)
Most evidence violent behavior. [11](Huesmann, et. al, 2003)
References
1. Villani S. ImpactAnderson CA. Video games and aggressive behavior. In Ravitch d and Viteritti, JP, eds, Kid Stuff: Marketing Sex and Violence to America’s Children. 2003. Baltimore and London:The Johns Hopkins University Press. 157.
Anderson CA, Bushman BJ. Effects of mediaviolent video games on childrenaggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, physiological arousal, and adolescents: a 10-yearprosocial behavior: A meta-analytic review of the research. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.scientific literature. Psych Science. 2001 Apr;40(4):392-401.
2. CantorSept;12(5):353-359.
Cantor J. The 5, 2003.
3. Huesmann
Huesmann LR, Moise-Titus J, PodolskiC-L,Podolski C, Eron LD.L. Longtiudinal relatiosn 2003 Mar;39(2):201-21.
4. U.S. Department of Health
Johnson JG, Cohen P, Smailes E, Kasen S, Brook JS. Television viewing and Human Services. Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD. 93.
5. Paikaggressive behavior during adolescence and adulthood. Science. 2002 Mar 29;295:2468-2471.
Paik H, Comstock Research. 1994;21:516-546.
6. U.S.
U.S. Department of MD. 91
7. Anderson CA, Bushman BJ. Effects
U.S. Department of violent video games on aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, physiological arousal,Health and prosocial behavior:Human Services. Youth Violence: A meta-analytic reviewReport of the scientific literature. Psych Science. 2001 Sept;12(5):353-359.
8. Johnson JG, Cohen P, Smailes E, Kasen S, Brook JS. Television viewing and aggressive behavior during adolescence and adulthood. Science. 2002 Mar 29;295:2468-2471.
9. Anderson CA. Video games and aggressive behavior. In Ravitch d and Viteritti, JP, eds, Kid Stuff: Marketing Sex and Violence to America’s Children. 2003. Baltimore and London:The Johns Hopkins University Press. 157.
10. U.S.Surgeon General. Rockville, MD. 94.
U.S. Department of Rockville, MD. 94.
11. U.S.87.
U.S. Department of Rockville, MD. 87.1993.
Villani S. Impact of media on children and adolescents: a 10-year review of the research. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2001 Apr;40(4):392-401

The conclusion of the public health community, based on over 30 years of research, is that viewing entertainment violence can lead to increases in aggressive attitudes, values and behavior, particularly in children," according a joint statement signed by representatives of six public health in July 26, 2000 and presented to Congress.
This Statement was signed by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
on children. There are many different perspectives from which we can approach this topic. From children, parents, teachers, politicians, business owners, law-enforcement and so forth. Extensive research has been conducted over the last few decades. The most recent research is the main focus of this WIKI.