Prosocial messages inthe media

The articles that we read for class discussed the ideas of prosocial messages as opposed to violent messages and how they helped/hindered children's views of others as well as the world. The video game article discussed that violent video games cause aggression, anxiety, hostile expectation bias, etc. Contrastly, video games with prosocial messages caused the opposite effect on children. The point of prosocial messages in the media is to shape children into being helpful individuals. I completely agree with the concept of prosocial messages, but I'm still not necessarily sold on the idea that violence causes aggressive behavior; and I never really agreed with it. I know that there have been studies that have "proven" this, but I really think that it is the environment that children are placed in that may or may not cause aggressive and antisocial behavior.

I've studied George Gerbner's theory of cultivation, but I studied it from the violent behavior aspect of the theory. After taking a closer look, I understand why violent media may cause violent behavior, but I think that violent behavior is mainly caused by the environent that a child is placed in. It's up to the parents to step in and teach children right from wrong, but if parents, like many do, let television raise their children, then that's where the problems arise. If adults don't stay hands on with their children then of course children will cultivate their own ideas of what is right and wrong and these ideas are backed up by their peers whom have had the same upbringing.

Edutainment...Good or bad?

It's no secret that people in society get a lot of their facts and ideologies from the media, but the question is how much media, or for purposes of this blog, how much television is too much television?

It's my personal belief that there is no such thing as too much television. I honestly feel like if you had a strong upbringing, where your parents taught you right from wrong and monitored your media and television intake, then as a young adult you will more than likely be able to decipher between what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. I believe that television is a great source of education as well as socialization. We gain experiences through watching tv; experiences that we may not have been able to encounter in real life.

The term edutainment, I believe, speaks to the notion of learning by way of the media. Although, it is a little unorthodox to live vicariously through other individuals, we live in a society where a lot of societal norms are becoming more and more lenient. Society is co-constructed and because of this ideal, a lot of what we absorb and learn about societal norms is strongly coming from television. So going back to the original question of whether edutainment was good or bad? It is my belief that edutainment is one of the best ideas to date.

"Sexual Content on Prime-Time Television"

This study focused on sexual content on prim-time television over 3 decades, basically whether or not sexual behaviors during prime-time either decreased or increased over this time frame. Although this study was extremely valid, the notion on sex during prime-time television is something that I have grown use to. Nothing about this article really surprised me except for the tables which depicted the clear decrease of sexuality during prime-time, I didn't notice. But as a frequent television viewer, I guess I have noticed that big stations (i.e FOX, ABC, NBC, etc.) aren't as explicit as cable networks, such as Showtime or HBO. I cannot relate to individuals who are uncomfortable with sexual behaviors during prime-time television, but I can empathize with them. Some people are offended by such things like that on television during that time, for example parents of young/teenage children.

But the question arises of, doesn't sex sell? This ideology that sex on television entices more people to watch is something that has been adopted in modern culture. Sex brings a sense of drama on television and without it watching isn't as exciting. I mean look at most of the reality shows that are on nowadays, even shows that are not focused around relationships or finding love, some how sexual behaviors still come into play. The implication that there has been a decrease of sexual content on prime-time television in the past 3 decades to me is a stretch. I still see it! But this study shows that in deed there has been a decrease and I guess it is for the best for the overall sanctity of modern families. All and all I agree with the article and what the study was trying to achieve. I believe that over sexualizing prime-time television could potentially cause young adults to become sexually active at a younger age and also increase the chances of teen pregnancy, so for that, the decrease is for the best.