Explain the influence of symbolic models on aggression, as manifested via mass media.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers may vary.The influence of symbolic models on aggression has been attributed to the mass media, particularly Internet and television. A large number of studies have investigated the effects of televised violence on viewers, especially children.A longitudinal study, conducted over a 15-year period, suggests that there are significant long-term effects from watching violent television in childhood. Results from this study revealed a significant relationship between watching violence on television as children and aggressive behavior in adulthood. This pattern held for male and female participants, although the types of aggressive behavior differed. Males engaged in more overt aggression (e.g., domestic violence, physical fights), whereas women engaged in more indirect aggression (e.g., traffic violations). Women who watched violent television as children were also four times more likely than other women to be victims of domestic violence. Furthermore, the study found that early exposure to violence on television significantly predicted aggression in adulthood regardless of the level of aggression the individual displayed in childhood.Researchers also hypothesized that viewing television violence in childhood can lead to other potentially harmful effects. For instance, children may become desensitized to the effects of violence (e.g., may care less about others' feelings) or experience a heightened fear of victimization. Children younger than eight years old may be especially vulnerable to the effects of viewing violence because of their cognitive limitations in distinguishing fantasy and cartoon violence from reality. Of more recent interest is the question of whether movies and video games, which often feature much more graphic depictions of violence than those allowed on TV, exert stronger modeling effects on aggression.Social cognitive theory also points to several environmental cues that increase antisocial behavior. These "instigators" signal when it might be rewarding to behave antisocially (rather than risky to do so). One instigator is models: observing others and modeling their behavior can influence some, particularly when they have been frustrated or see the aggression as justified. A second (related) instigator is prior aversive treatment. People often treat others the way they have been treated. A third is incentive inducements, which includes the anticipated rewards of misbehavior. Habitual offenders often overestimate their chances of succeeding in criminal acts and ignore the consequences of failing. A fourth is instructions, particularly from one in authority. Milgram's famous study demonstrating widespread willingness to follow orders to inflict "pain" on another person is a good illustration. Although not a common feature of offending, this kind of influence may play a role in some hate crimes, in which the perpetrator believes he or she is doing the will of a religious or patriotic fanatic.