How Does Repeated Exposure to Sexualized Aggression in Media and Gaming Affect Empathy, Relational Behavior, and Moral Development?
Exposure to sexualized violence in video games and television shows can have negative effects on children's emotional wellbeing and their ability to form healthy relationships. In recent years, researchers have conducted several studies into this issue.
These studies are based mainly on surveys and self-reporting data, which may contain biases that affect the validity of the results. This paper will explore how exposure to sexualized aggression in media and gaming may impact empathy, relational behavior, and moral development using primary sources.
According to the American Psychological Association, repeated exposure to violent media content desensitizes people to its consequences. When children watch violent scenes such as rape or murder, they become less likely to show empathy towards victims of similar attacks. Desensitization also increases aggressive behavior among viewers.
A study published by the American Journal of Public Health found that teenagers who play violent video games for more than three hours per day were more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors in real life (2019). The same study suggests that violent media can lead to increased sexual objectification of women. This is because it teaches men that women are objects meant only for pleasure rather than individuals with feelings.
Frequent exposure to sexualized aggression can make children feel that intimacy is acceptable only when violence occurs.
A 2016 study published in Developmental Psychology found that boys exposed to pornography at an early age developed a lower understanding of consent and a greater likelihood of committing acts of sexual coercion later in life. Researchers also noted that girls exposed to pornography at a young age had difficulty recognizing healthy relationships. Both studies suggest that repeated exposure to sexualized aggression can lead to negative attitudes towards sex and other forms of human connection.
Some experts argue that watching violent movies or playing violent video games does not necessarily impact empathy, relational behavior, or moral development negatively. They cite research from the University of Michigan showing that most people do not have higher rates of aggression after viewing violent content. The study argues that people who already display high levels of aggression may be drawn to violent media but that such media does not cause these tendencies. Other studies have argued that violent content may even increase empathy among certain audiences by allowing them to explore difficult topics safely.
Despite conflicting evidence on this issue, researchers agree that parents should monitor their child's media consumption closely. Parents should limit screen time and discuss the consequences of violent media with their kids. In addition, they should encourage children to engage in activities that promote positive social interactions rather than isolation. These include sports, clubs, and community service.
Parents should model appropriate behaviors themselves to help their children develop a healthy attitude towards intimacy and relationships.
How does repeated exposure to sexualized aggression in media and gaming affect empathy, relational behavior, and moral development?
Repeated exposure to sexualized aggression in media and gaming can have significant impacts on an individual's empathy, relational behavior, and moral development. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to such content may desensitize individuals towards violence and aggression, leading them to develop callous attitudes and decreased ability to recognize the suffering of others (Crane & Anderson, 2017).