Human behavior in relation to film, television, and digital media ratings

¶ … human behavior in relation to film, television, and digital media ratings. Studies show that television and other media have an effect on the people who watch them, especially children. Video games, television shows, and films have grown increasingly violent over the last decades, and many experts believe that is due, at least in part, to this increasing violence. Children and young adults can be extremely affected by this overload of media violence, which is just one reason parents have to be more vigilant about the media their children watch and interact with on a daily basis.

For over 30 years, studies have been conducted that show media violence is a major concern in this country, and as media standards have relaxed, it has grown even more prevalent, making it more of a national concern. A reporter notes, "A recent study conducted at the University of Michigan has determined that the strongest predictor of violence in adulthood is children's repeated exposure to violent entertainment and participation in the virtual violence found in most video games" ("Kill Your Television, Prevent," 2008, p. 32). As children play these games, they become immune to violence and the results of violence. In the video games and often in television and films, the victims get up and walk away when the activity is older. Young children especially do not understand the ramifications of real violence, and so, they expect everything to "be all right" when the "game" is over. They do not realize than in real life, violence can cause death and incredible suffering. The games do not show this, but they also breed insensitivity to death and suffering.

When young children play video games and watch violent media, they may develop a misunderstanding and ignorance of real violence. However, studies also show that children who view violence when they are young can grow up to be violent and abusive adults. The television article continues, "Men in their early 20s who were heavy viewers of violent TV shows between the ages of six and nine were twice as likely as other men to push, grab, or shove their spouses. They were also three times as likely to be convicted of criminal behavior" ("Kill Your Television, Prevent," 2008, p. 32). In addition, another study indicates, "Young men randomly assigned to play Grand Theft Auto III exhibited greater increases in diastolic blood pressure from a baseline rest period to game play, greater negative affect, more permissive attitudes toward using alcohol and marijuana, and more uncooperative behavior" (Editors, 2009). These are extremely disturbing statistics, because they indicate that these children grow up to be more violent, but they could develop health issues and abuse substances more frequently, which could be a major issue throughout the country, especially when you take into account how many young people today play these games. The Institute editors continue, "97% of adolescents play video games" (Editors, 2009). That is an astounding number of young people, and it remains for future studies to show just how much this could adversely affect our entire society as these children grow into adults.

One of the biggest problems facing violence in the media is the lack of parental control and involvement in what their children are playing. Children can be extremely devious when they try to get what they want, and many parents today are "too busy" to really pay attention to what their children are doing. The editors continues, "Only 21% of kids reported that their parents set rules about which video games they can play, 17% reported their parents check warning labels or ratings on video games, and 12% reported they play video games they know their parents don't want them playing" (Editors, 2009). A simple inventory of video games and other media could give parents a much better idea of what their children are playing, and keeping them from watching violent television or attending inappropriate films is as simple as checking the ratings, which are available online at a number of sites.

Much has been said about violence and the media, but media in general is causing extensive health problems for our nation, too. A parenting Web site notes, "Children who consistently spend more than 4 hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight. Kids who view violent acts are more likely to show aggressive behavior but also fear that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them" (Editors, 2010). Most everyone knows that obesity is a substantial problem facing the nation, and childhood obesity is growing dramatically, as well. The sedentary behavior of watching television and playing video games only contributes to this problem, as does the nation's obsession with fast food and processed food. Interestingly enough, the media is rampant with fast food and junk food advertising, and the children watching these ads clamor for the latest junk foods, so while children are sedentary while they watch the media, they also soak up advertising, which can be just another problem for the health and well being of these future generations.

Many may not think violence in the media is that pervasive, but studies indicate it occurs much more than many people think. The parenting editors continue, "The average American child will witness 200,000 violent acts on television by age 18. Kids may become desensitized to violence and more aggressive" (Editors, 2010). The startling number is the sheer amount of violence children can witness over time. It is no wonder they become desensitized to violence. It means nothing to them in their everyday lives, and it could be another reason activities like bullying and physical violence is up in the schools. Children see characters on television "rewarded" for their violence, from taking out the bad guys to violence in sports and other activities, and because many of these characters become their heroes, they emulate their violent behavior to be more like them. Children do not innately understand that violence is bad, and with the prevalence of violence in the media today, it is often seen as a desirable behavior. Again, it is the parents' responsibility to teach their children that violent behavior is wrong. More than that, it is their responsibility to ensure that this type of media is not allowed in the house, especially for very young children.