In recent times, the amount of violence present in the media has been increasing. While some individuals argue that this trend will undoubtedly lead to a dangerous future for humanity, others believe it has no detrimental effect on society. I contend that, in most instances, media violence does not influence people’s behavior.
Firstly, I believe that individuals act according to their own motives, regardless of what they see on television. This means that if someone intends to harm another person, it is not because of what they watch on TV or play in video games, but rather due to that person’s character and upbringing. Although it is commonly thought that violent media desensitizes viewers to cruelty, I question this assertion. In my opinion, rational and compassionate individuals treat others with respect, independent of what they encounter in fictional narratives.
Moreover, video games and television can even reduce social violence by providing a safe outlet for aggression. In other words, aggressive individuals may choose to express their combative instincts in virtual reality instead of acting out in the real world. This can be beneficial not only for those individuals but can also help decrease social violence in the long run.
Finally, despite numerous claims and assumptions regarding the negative effects of television and video games, I have yet to observe any proven connection between violent media and illegal activities in society.
In conclusion, I would argue that violence in contemporary media does not have a significant influence on people’s behavior. Television and computers are not the primary factors that shape personal character, and they can even play a role in reducing the overall level of violence.