Critically examining media violence by applying relevant theoretical perspectives and critically evaluating its origins, impacts, and penological policies

Abstract

Media violence has presented itself as an emergent zemiological harm on society. Present in many ways, media violence appears in films, music, games, news and most recently, social media. The development of contemporary methods of media from their origins showcases the addiction to violence society has acquired and the neoliberlist ideals in soliciting violent content in response. From films and music, these have often influenced gang culture, desensitising viewers and listeners to violence. Moreover, games have progressively gotten more realistic and as evident in the Columbine High School Massacre of 1999, seem to influence the killers to commit horrendous murders, though is often debated amongst researchers for its harmful impact. News sources showcase violent content but to larger audencies, globalising violence tolerance but also often perpetuate false narratives as evident in the Muslim community after 9/11, being forced into an environment of strain. Lastly, social media has cosmopolitanised the globe into a heavily government-regulated digital world on the abundance of easily-accessible violent content. Now, more than ever, the importance for violent media regulation is needed. From PEGI ratings to governing bodies that restrict hateful content, a new issue has emerged - human rights abuses with freedom of speech. The path for media regulation is underwhelming thus the educating of the public is necessary for the future.