Mean World Syndrome Analysis

In response to the growing amount of violence displayed on television, researcher George Gerbner coined the term “mean world syndrome” to describe the psychological effect violent media had on consumers. He believed that constant exposure to these images would cause people to become “more susceptible to deceptively simple, strong, tough measures and hardline postures” and “may accept and even welcome repression” [Hanson]. While television is the most accused broadcaster of these messages, almost every form of media perpetuates violent messages and images in some shape or form. While these messages are not necessarily harmful at first glance, consistent exposure to these images from an early age may be detrimental to a person’s perception of violence later in life. The exposure of violence, both in fictional narratives and in journalistic reports of violence, have a negative effect on children. Research conducted by the Association of Psychological Science links violent media with aggressive behavior. Their studies show that violence in platforms such as television and video games not only increase the chances of precipitating violence, but also cause desensitization to future acts of violence [Anderson]. While external factors such as home life and mental stability can also play a role in this, the largest factor in determining the effect it has on children is the amount of time the child is exposed to the medium. Studies show that around 42% of children under the age of eight have a television in their bedroom and 52% of children in this same age range have daily access to a smart phone or tablet [Statistics]. Easy access to various mediums can result in an easier and more consistent display of messages. Readily accessible media can be the most harmful between 1957 and 1990, various age groups were exposed to violent acts in media. These ages ranged from preschool children to the elderly. Out of all of these age groups, the most for the youngest consumers. Young children are easily impressionable, and are the most likely to mirror the actions they see on television or in movies and video games. In a series of studies conducted violent acts were displayed in the preschool children [Villani]. In his paper, The Impact of Media Violence on Children and Adolescents: Opportunities for Clinical Interventions, Dr. Eugene Beresin described the psychology behind young children. He wrote that “before the age of four, children are unable to distinguish between fact and fantasy and may view violence as an ordinary occurrence.” Even programs targeted towards children, especially cartoons, can still display violent acts. One study shows that cartoons can display up to 20 violent acts an hour. [Media Violence] This content that was specifically designed for young children contains messages that will continue to reside and grow in the media they consume later on in their lives. Another form of media commonly associated with aggressive imagery is video games. While video games are scientifically linked with positive attributes such as the ability to improve a person’s reflexes and increase their creativity [Video Games], an alarming amount of video games also include graphic and sexually driven content that is brutal in nature. Over 90 percent of games targeted for teens and older have violent imagery in some way [Barclay]. For example, games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty encourage the …show more content…
While this theory is impossible to either completely prove or disprove, many people have since speculated the real answer to Gerber’s question. This debate began long before the invention of the internet, but has skyrocketed since its conception because of its ability to give anyone faster and easier access to any type of information. This information can, in certain circumstances, present itself as highly inappropriate for the person seeking it. This can be said for children exposed to media such as television, video games, music and broadcast media which displays graphically violent images and situations. These can have negative psychological and cognitive effects on children as they grow up as they respond to violence outside of the computer screen. The violence displayed in media, if not carefully monitored and addressed, can result in outward physical outbursts of violence in children, as well as affecting the way they view violence afflicted onto