Although the issue is often contentious in the media, exposure to violent media does make teens more aggressive. Statistically, teens spend an average of six hours and thirty-two minutes using various forms of media. (Jason et al. 2005). Recent research propose that these effects can become problematic when guns are involved. This topic was investigated in many studies using experimental, longitudinal and even cross-sectional designs. The purpose of this literature review is to minimize aspects of ideas revolving around the proposition that the violent media causes aggression in teens. This research includes substantive findings, as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to the topic.
The most studied aspect of the effect of media is that of media violence on teens. Violence on television is a pervasive and negative influence especially on those with impressionable mindsets, and with those with a lack of critical ability, being easily influenced most likely leads to behavioral issues, aggression and even criminal activity in the long run. Ferguson et al. (2008) h
ave presented a model for comprehending multivariate influences on aggressive behavior. The cross-sectional design demonstrates the catalyst model of violent crime & the development of an aggressive-prone personality. It suggest that an individual who develops a violent personality are at a high risk for engaging in violent behavior. Individuals with high aggressive proneness are probable to require less environmental stress to take part in violent acts. In this case, this study addresses multiple factors that can correlate to the relations between the media and aggressive behavior. Media violence, according to the catalyst model is not the only cause of violent behavior but plays a role as a stylistic choice. For example, if a teen with proneness to aggressiveness decides to acts violent, he or she may then perform an act seen in the media. Not with the intentions to perfectly execute a violent act as seen on tv but with the intentions to portray a similar model, and this is where influence takes part. Violent behavior is influenced by social learning. Ferguson et al. (2008).