We are being Desensitized

“Long-term socialization effects of the mass media are also quite likely increased by the way the mass media and video games affect emotions. Repeated exposure to emotionally activating media or video games can lead to the habituation of certain natural emotional reactions.

This process is called ‘desensitization.’ Negative emotions experienced automatically by viewers in response to a particularly violent or gory scene decline in intensity after many exposures. For example, increased heart rates, perspiration, and self-reports of discomfort often accompany exposure to blood and gore. However, with repeated exposure, this negative emotional response habituates, and the child becomes ‘desensitized.’ The child can then think about and plan proactive, aggressive acts without experiencing negative affect.”

The Impact of Electronic Media Violence: Scientific Theory and Research by L. Rowell Huesmann https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC270401 5/

As we look at what is happening in our country, we are forced to admit we live in a violent society, a culture where we are inundated with daily reports and images of hurt, harm and murder, individual attacks, mass shootings, and assaults. It’s as if we are going mad, but when we stop to analyze what’s going on--we see the culture we live in condones and encourages antisocial behavior. The ongoing escalation in violence in the US--in my opinion, coincides with the increase of violence promoted and shown in the mass media, which is now ubiquitous and omnipresent.