Does Watching Violence Perpetuate Violence?

Hi LCB'ers,

Themed violence is everywhere including TV, movies, video games and even some Slot machines. I have often wondered the validity in blaming this for violent behavior in our society. Can watching violence be blamed for the violent behavior in some people?

Is it just an excuse or can some people really be swayed in that direction by watching it or playing games?

I would think a person would have to have a violent tendency to begin with. What would do you think?

People face more violence in real life than in any movies. At least it was my experience when I was still at University and went to clubs pretty often.  I guess it's a pretty pathetic way to impress others, earn some kind of respect. Violence is already so common that any TV/games restriction wouldn't change anything. It all depends on the environment in which we grow up.

There certainly is some disturbing websites, dedicated to extreme violence and death which are there for anyone to view. But I think it takes a certain type of person to be affected by seeing such things, perhaps someone not as mentally strong as other people

I think if a person who was not violent before but then commits violence afterwards due to seeing whatever were ill in the first place. So it could trigger off something

Interesting as i play Aliens most of the time. Maybe because I've never played COD and other titles. Only game was Metal Gear series, old school gamer me.

U got teenage boys and girls playing for big cash in FPS comps around the world. Is this an issue? So many variables u could go on for ever.

Should we keep a close eye on Goths ? silly question but some people think that way. Will they drink my blood ? 

Suppose most violent I've seen on TV is Spartacus, which I must admit was brilliant imo. Because if u look beyond all the sex and violence in it u would notice a  plot line in the series, plus u learn a thing or two about history     I see it as House of Cards but in roman times.

TV and video games do have some influence, especially on young people. But I guess it's also a matter of education and environment, watching violent stuff on TV or playing violent games can't make a normal person go out and kick somebody.

I agree that it must depend on a person's state of mind when watching violence.  I certainly wouldn't be violent just because I watched a violent movie but I can see how "the excitement" of it could send perhaps an unstable person in the wrong direction.

                I would say yes.    Although it's only an opinion,  I think it absolutely influences  young (and old) minds to where we become desensitized to violence.  That, to me is the worst.  I think if someone who is on the fence (mentally that is),  too much video violence might just push them over the tipping point.    I hear how people talk today and it's totally different than  when I was kid,  more belligerent, confrontational.  I think the video violence definitely  has an impact on younger, more impressionable minds.    Also,  (this might be another topic)  when you hear the music (if you can call it that)  that younger people listen to today so much of it has so much anger and really bad language I think that also desensitizes them to current situations.    Just a thought.  Great topic Lips.

I tend to believe that there would have to be some violent tendencies in a person. If not, then something has to be going on with someone that could be swayed by television. movies or games. I played video games as a child and slashed all sorts of things but you don't see me bopping people on the head for coins now do ya? Seriously though, I think something has got to be off to begin with.

I agree with what everyone has said. I mean really a normal person isn't going to go all ballistic unless that side going to erupt anyway. Why the media has to blame what we watch as a reason for  people going postal is beyond me.

One thing i did read recently was that violent movies have the hugest audience draw in the US. I am not sure why that is but does it correlate with a high crime rate........i dunno.

I think America needs to tighten up on it's gun control even further.. just to be on the safe side.. I mean who really needs an AR-15 to defend their home how paranoid do people have to be to think they need a machine gun to defend themselves