media influence
How Violent Media Affects the Brain
The blank look on a teen's face when watching a game like "WWF Smackdown" might be a reflection of what's going on in his brain — and a warning sign of things to come.
Indeed, for several years child psychologists have been warning parents about the dangers of repeated exposure to violent video games. Now, there may be medical evidence to back their claims.
Researchers in Indiana have measured the effects on a brain scan. The study's principal investigator, Dr. Vincent Mathews, said prolonged exposure to violence actually affects brain function and behavior.
"The parts of the brain we looked at are the frontal lobes — the areas of the brain that are involved in emotional control, inhibition of behavior and that sort of thing," Mathews said. "The idea is that those parts of the brain don't work as well (after prolonged exposure to violence), and because of that they don't control their behavior as well."
Given an adolescent's natural hormonal mood swings, adding a steady diet of violence is like pouring gasoline on a fire, according to Dr. David Walsh, of the National Institute on Media and the Family.
"There are two things going on," Walsh said. "One is the anger is getting amplified by the ... repetitious acts of violence in the game; then at the same time the buffer to that is less active."
He said the content of most popular games today has no positive value and might shock most parents.
"What good could possibly come from having a 15-year-old spend hours and hours and hours decapitating people and organizing drug rings and murdering prostitutes?" Walsh asked.
More than two-thirds of all children live in a home with a video game system.
To find out more about the study, see the Web site for the Indiana University School of Medicine. http://www.medicine.indiana.edu/news_releases/archive_02/violent_games02.html
Background Information
The Power of the Media
It's hard to deny that music and visual images have tremendous sticking power. But do those lingering sensations really make a difference?
When Life Imitates Art
We need to be very careful about what we allow ourselves to watch and listen to. Examples of others who didn't make wise choices are numerous, and some of them are frightening.
Questions and Answers
I'm troubled by some of the CDs showing up in our home. How do we set a music standard for our 13-year-old daughter?
Answer
What are the long-term consequences when children watch violent and sexual content on television?
Answer
What is your opinion of video games?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Guiding Your Teen Through the Media Landmines
My teenage son and I are catching on to a few new lessons: the importance of trusting God and why some movies and music lyrics are not acceptable.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Media Modeling: Setting an Example for our Teens
Isn't it assuring, in this age of menacing media, that V-chips and Internet filters can help us monitor our teens? Regrettably, we still lack mechanisms to help us set boundaries for ourselves.
Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
