Although the role of identity in media processing and effects has been widely discussed, only a small number of empirical studies have examined this issue in the context of exposure to violent media. Broadly speaking, the influence of identity as well as identification can be seen in everything from media selection and avoidance to processing media messages, to interpreting media messages, to learning from media, to more straightforward media effects (such as aggression). It is hardly an overstatement to say that issues of identity and identification have the potential to influence nearly every aspect of media uses and outcomes in the context of violent media.