Do our personalities draw us to certain kinds of content? What are the individual factors that determine the kind of shows and movies we consume? Are our media habits more deterministic than we think? In some cases, it might be so. For instance, with violent media consumption, there are certain characteristics that the users possess.
Violent media refers to media content that includes scenes or themes of physical aggression, violence, or harm. TV shows, movies, video games, music, and other media that show or describe violent events or circumstances fall under this category. Depending on the context, many definitions of violent media may be employed. In certain circumstances, "violent media" may generally refer to any media work that genuinely or vividly depicts violence or hostility. Other times, "violent media" may refer specifically to media that glorifies or promotes violence.
A heightened predilection for violent media is not reliably linked to any personality feature. According to some studies, certain psychological qualities, including a high degree of aggressiveness or a propensity for sensationalism, may be linked to a higher intake of violent media. It is crucial to remember that these associations are not always causal and that other variables can be at work. For instance, people with high aggressiveness may turn to violent media to express or manage their impulses toward violence rather than the media igniting aggression.
However, research has identified individual differences that may be related to an individual's preference for violent media. These include −
Aggression
Sensation Seeking
Masculine Gender Roles
According to some studies, those who are more aggressive or have a history of acting aggressively may be more inclined to seek out and consume violent media. The connection between aggressiveness and attraction to violent media is controversial in psychology. According to some studies, watching violent media can make some people feel more aggressive and act more aggressively. This is especially true for people who are already prone to aggressiveness or have a history of acting aggressively.
It is crucial to remember that the connection between violence and a desire for violent media is nuanced and poorly understood. Other elements, including family environment, societal influences, and individual experiences, can also influence the emergence of violent behavior. Additionally, rather than the media itself inspiring aggressiveness, people with aggressive dispositions may be drawn to violent media to express or cope with their aggressive inclinations.
Sensation-seeking is a trait characterized by a need for novel and intense experiences. Some research has suggested that individuals with high levels of sensation seeking may be more likely to consume violent media, as it can provide a source of excitement and arousal. However, it is important to note that the relationship between sensation-seeking and attraction to violent media is complex and needs to be fully understood. Other factors, such as personal interests and cultural background, can influence an individual's media preferences. Individuals with high levels of sensation-seeking may be drawn to violent media to satisfy their need for intense experiences rather than the media itself causing sensation-seeking. Dispositional aggression refers to an individual's tendency to exhibit aggressive behavior in various situations. People who score high on dispositional aggression may be more likely to prefer violent media.
Some research has suggested that people who adhere to traditional masculine gender roles (e.g., being tough, competitive, and dominant) may be more likely to enjoy violent media. Some research has suggested that individuals who adhere to traditional masculine gender roles, which often involve aggression, dominance, and risk-taking, may be more likely to prefer violent media. There are several ways masculine gender roles may affect an individual's preference for violent media.
Masculine gender roles often involve traits such as aggression and dominance, which may make violent media more appealing to individuals who adhere to these roles. Media messages that reinforce traditional gender roles may encourage individuals to consume media that aligns with their gender identity. For example, media that portrays men as aggressive and dominant may appeal to individuals who adhere to traditional masculine gender roles.
Social influences, such as peer pressure and cultural expectations, may influence an individual's media preferences. For example, individuals who are surrounded by others who adhere to traditional masculine gender roles may be more likely to consume violent media in order to fit in or be perceived as masculine. It is important to note that these examples are not exhaustive and that the relationship between masculine gender roles and preference for violent media is complex and not fully understood.
It is significant to remember that there is no universal profile for those who watch violent media. Age, gender, cultural background, and personal experiences are just a few variables that might affect a person's media choices. According to research, exposure to violent media may have a range of consequences on people—both good and bad. According to certain research, seeing violent media can make some people feel more aggressive and act more aggressively. This is especially true for people who are already prone to aggressiveness or have a history of acting aggressively.
However, some studies have discovered that exposure to violent media can also have beneficial impacts, such as giving people a way to vent their anger or aiding them in coping with terrible events. It is important to recognize that media consumption is just one of many factors that can contribute to aggressive behavior. Other factors, such as family environment, social influences, and personal experiences, can also play a role. It is important to consider the overall context in which media is consumed and be aware of its potential effects on an individual.