Media and Violence

“Violence” and “media” are familiar elements of modern life. Because the perception of violence is somewhat subjective and the universe of media is quite broad, definitions for each will establish parameters for the ensuing discussion. Violence is the use of illegal, unjustified, unnecessary, or extreme force to injure a person or damage something. Media are the various means of mass communication, including television, radio, print publications, video games, music videos, films, and the Internet together with the people involved in their production, distribution, and sales as a business sector and commercial market. While the specific genres of violence and media technology may have changed over time, public concerns about representational violence, particularly as a form of entertainment, are long standing. Ethical concerns focus on the ...