Increased Aggression

Definition

Increased aggression refers to the heightened likelihood of aggressive behavior or thoughts resulting from exposure to certain stimuli, particularly violent media content. This phenomenon suggests that when individuals are exposed to media violence, they may experience a temporary boost in aggressive feelings and actions, which can be explained by psychological theories that connect emotional arousal and aggression. As a result, this can lead to both immediate and lasting impacts on an individual's behavior and attitudes towards aggression in real life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Research has shown that both short-term and long-term exposure to violent media can lead to increased aggression in viewers, affecting their reactions in various situations.
2. Excitation transfer theory explains that arousal from one stimulus (like a thrilling scene) can spill over and intensify emotional responses to subsequent stimuli, potentially increasing aggression.
3. Individuals who frequently consume violent media are more likely to develop aggressive attitudes and beliefs over time, contributing to a cycle of increased aggression.
4. Violent video games have been linked with higher levels of increased aggression due to the interactive nature of gameplay, making the experiences feel more realistic.
5. Increased aggression can manifest in various forms, from physical violence to verbal hostility, impacting social interactions and relationships.

Review Questions

• How does increased aggression relate to the psychological mechanisms behind excitation transfer theory?
  • Increased aggression is closely linked to excitation transfer theory, which suggests that arousal from one source can amplify emotional responses to another situation. When individuals experience intense emotions from violent media, this heightened state can spill over into real-life interactions, resulting in increased aggressive behavior. For example, after watching a violent movie, a person may react more aggressively in a minor conflict due to the residual arousal from the media exposure.
• What evidence supports the idea that increased aggression can have both short-term and long-term effects on behavior?
  • Numerous studies demonstrate that individuals exposed to violent media often display increased aggressive thoughts and behaviors immediately after viewing. In the short term, this may manifest as frustration or hostility in everyday situations. Long-term effects are observed through patterns of behavior where consistent exposure leads individuals to develop aggressive beliefs and attitudes over time. This body of research highlights the persistence of media effects on real-world interactions.
• Evaluate how increased aggression due to media violence might impact societal behavior and norms over time.
  • Increased aggression stemming from exposure to violent media could significantly impact societal behavior and norms by normalizing aggressive actions as acceptable responses in conflicts. Over time, as more individuals internalize aggressive attitudes influenced by media portrayals, this could lead to higher tolerance for violence within communities and among peers. Additionally, it could shape cultural narratives around conflict resolution, shifting them away from dialogue and understanding towards aggression as a first response. This change in societal norms could further perpetuate cycles of violence across generations.

Related terms

Desensitization: The process by which individuals become less sensitive to violence due to repeated exposure to violent media, potentially leading to an increase in aggressive behavior.

Social Learning Theory:

A theory suggesting that people learn behaviors, including aggression, through observation and imitation of others, especially those seen in media.

Hostile Attribution Bias: A tendency for individuals to interpret others' behaviors as having hostile intent, which can be exacerbated by exposure to violent media.