The Media Violence - Essay Example

 The Media Violence The article by Gentile, Coyne and Walsh is based on the study conducted to prove that exposure to media violence leads to heightened levels of aggression in people. The article provides insight into the purpose of the study that is to understand; the mechanisms that act as mediators for media violence to be represented in behavior in later years; the affect of media violence on both relational and physical aggression and whether the effects of media violence can be demonstrated in a short term longitudinal study (Gentile, Coyne and Walsh 193). The effects of media violence are described in context of the General model of aggression developed by Anderson, Bushman and Dill. The Model explains that humans develop aggressive cognitions, attitudes and behaviors and by being exposed to media violence these traits can be intensified with long or short term effects. The article establishes a directly proportional relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior. The article highlights the social information processing theory to explain the potential mediators in mechanisms and the limitations that the past researches encountered while establishing a relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior. The article targets the academic community and parents who will benefit from the work of the study; it will help them understand the effects that media violence can have on children and adults and thus should be minimized. The article utilizes academic diction, facts, figures and conclusive evidence from past researches to establish that exposure to media violence leads to heightened physical and relational aggression in children. Throughout the article facts and figures from past researches have been utilized to demonstrate the strong relationship that exists between exposure to media violence and aggressive behavior. The base of the article is constructed on the grounds provided by the evidence from the researches. The researches provide a sound base in addressing the purpose of the study and also prove instrumental in making the point that multiple studies conclude that aggressive effects result from such violent media exposure. While conveying the message the writers utilize the three means of persuasion; ethos, pathos and logos. The writers develop credibility and go for an ethical appeal by convincing the reader that they are a reliable source and worth listening to. The article quotes other studies conducted by the authors other than the one forming the basis for the article. By using past studies conducted by the authors, the authors are presented as authority figures who are familiar with what they are writing and even experts at it. An appeal to pathos is made by using words like ‘Perpetrator and victims’ (Gentile, Coyne and Walsh 194). By using such strong words the writers are instigating the imagination of the reader to see that media exposure can have devastating consequences for children later on in life and they can really harm themselves and others. The writers have used particular words also to generate feelings resulting from facing anger. Words like ‘victims’ (Gentile, Coyne and Walsh, 194), ‘hostile and maladjustment’ (Gentile, Coyne and Walsh 195), appeal to the feelings of the reader. The readers due to word choice are forced to imagine the consequences of anger which results from increased media exposure. Appealing to the emotions of the readers leaves lasting effects on the reader. The arguments logic appeal occurs as a result of continuously focusing on the same message throughout the article and the use of research findings to convey the authenticity of the information being conveyed. The credibility of information is conveyed by quoting credible and expert sources in the field of child aggression and media exposure. The use of facts and figures from expert sources increases the authority of the argument and makes it sound. Argumentation has been employed to address the problem from all angles. The effects of media violence are seen in males and females (Gentile, Coyne and Walsh 194), and different forms of aggression like verbal or aggressive intent, resulting from media violence exposure are explored and supported with strong research and authority evidence. Cause and effect factor have been developed by quoting the study from Huesmann and his colleagues which proves that children exposed to media violence were more aggressive than children not exposed to media violence. . Statistical data is used to increase the reliability of the data. Using statistical data not only shows the hard work that has been put into developing an authentic relationship between variables but also it makes it easier for the reader to relate to and understand the information presented. The article begins by forming the theoretical basis for aggression resulting media violence exposure. The writers solidify the base for the argument by providing researches conducted by authority figures. The effects of exposure to media violence are addressed leading to the limitations of the researches that have already been conducted in the field of establishing a relationship between aggression and media violence exposure. By adopting this approach the writers highlight the uniqueness and need of their research and why it will hold a significant place in academic circles and for parents exposing their children to media violence. By repeating the word aggression and media violence exposure continuously the writers have tried to make the readers to pay attention to the relationship both variables have. Not only the writers use expository form of writing but also use imagery in their article to impress images of aggressive attitudes and gestures on the reader’s mind. For example the writers use an example of aggressive behavior that, ‘when bumped in the hallway, aggressive children are more likely to assume that it was due to hostile intention’ (Gentile, Coyne and Walsh 195). The description creates a sketch of the situation in the mind of the reader, making it more lifelike. The writers analyze and explain the aggressive behaviors resulting from exposure to media violence in early childhood. The different devices employed by the writers contribute to making the article present a logical and argumentative point of view. All the parts of the article move to develop the base for the purpose of conducting the study and the variables which will be encompassed in the study. The ideas and relationships presented in the study are clear and precise. The words used are repetitive and clear like ‘aggression’, ‘media violence’, ‘behavior’, attitude’ etc (Gentile, Coyne and Walsh 193). By using clear terminology and ideas the writers leave no room for ambiguity and smoky corners making it easy for the readers to understand the associations that are being developed and studied. The assumptions made by the writers are valid as not only is it common observation that children imitate what they are exposed to and also their assumptions are backed by valid theoretical and statistical evidence; which gives credibility to their assumptions. The writers address the matter in academic yet simply comprehensible manner allowing for the reader to relate to the writing. The matter-of-fact tone used by the writers makes a straight forward point and does not let the reader take the writing lightly or ignore it. The article takes on seriously making the point that exposure to media violence is harmful for children and also that general media exposure does not contribute to violent and aggressive behavior; providing food for thought for the parents of the children who allow their children unrestrained access to media. References Gentile, A., Coyne, Sarah. & Walsh, A. David. ‘Media Violence, Physical Aggression, and Relational Aggression in School Age Children: A Short-Term Longitudinal Study’, Aggressive Behavior 37 (2011): 193-206. Read More