The Impact of Acute & Cumulative Exposure to Violent Media on Behavioural & Neurocognitive Markers of Social Cognition & Emotional States
Abstract
Research examining the effects of violent media remains controversial due to methodological concerns, unclear neurocognitive mechanisms, and limited understanding of individual differences in susceptibility. Three mixed methods studies were conducted to better understand the association between violent media and broader aspects of social functioning, as well as individual differences. Our central hypothesis was that acute exposure to violent media (videogames, film) would increase risk of aberrant social behaviour by reducing the aversive value of distress cues and eliciting negative emotional states. We further hypothesized susceptibility to violent media would differ as a function of pre-existing traits known to impact aggressive outcomes, and enjoyment of violent content.
Chapter 2 described the use of fMRI to determine whether acute and cumulative violent gaming was associated with neurocognitive markers of aggression as a function of trait-empathy. Neither behavioural ratings nor empathy-related brain activity varied as a function of violent gaming exposure. Exploratory whole brain analyses suggested activation patterns in somatosensory and motor cortices, and reflected an interaction between violent gaming exposure and trait-empathy. Chapter 3 used a behavioural experiment to determine whether acute and cumulative violent film exposure altered aspects of social cognition, and whether observed effects differed as a function of individual traits. Although there was no evidence acute violent film exposure impacted social cognition, greater cumulative exposure was associated with lower cognitive empathy and greater affective sharing towards negative images. Using the same sample, Chapter 4 explored how individual differences in terms of personality and enjoyment of violent content influenced emotional states following violent media exposure. Increases in state anger and anxiety were observed following violent film exposure, whereby individuals reporting less enjoyment showed the greatest increases in state anger. Enjoyment of violent content was also observed to vary as a function of trait sadism. Across all studies, results were inconsistent with a straightforward relationship between violent media and broader social functioning strongly related to aggressive behaviour. Results presented across studies highlight the importance of considering individual differences and other aspects social functioning beyond aggressive behaviour to elucidate effects of violent media and best inform public concern regarding safe media practices.