Articles tagged with Media Violence
A new study suggests that fear-based education around pornography is failing young people, as it fails to reflect how teenagers actually encounter sexual media. The researchers propose a new framework called 'safe uncertainty', which encourages open and structured discussions about pornography.
Researchers have developed an AI tool that can detect online propaganda in Kinyarwanda, a Bantu language spoken by 350 million Africans. The dataset, called KinyaProp, provides examples of misinformation in Kinyarwanda for large language models to learn from and recognize.
The Handala hacker group, linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, uses cyberattacks to wage psychological warfare and conduct influence operations. Its primary objective is not to inflict significant damage but to create a sense of threat and insecurity, particularly in Israel.
Researchers found that far-right influencer Tommy Robinson used his Telegram channel to comment on events and legitimise violence during anti-immigration protests in 2024, shaping followers' interpretations of events without issuing direct instructions. The study identifies key tactics used by influencers to create emotional conditions...
A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent associations between digital media use and risks to child health and development, particularly social media use. The study highlights the need for multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.
A recent study by Professor Damon Centola and alum Douglas Guilbeault found that content moderators who worked in teams reached near-perfect agreement on classifying controversial material online. In contrast, individual participants showed only 38% agreement, with Democrats and Republicans agreeing on classifications for only about 30...
A study published in a book by Professor Florian Stöckel and colleagues found that social media comments can act as signals for true or false information, helping users identify accurate news. However, these comments can also be misleading and undermine trust in correct information.
A new study reveals that true crime media can be both a help and a hindrance to co-victims, with many experiencing a loss of privacy and trauma due to sensationalized coverage. The research highlights the need for ethical production practices and standards to protect co-victims from harm.
A new study by the International Center for Journalists and US universities found that Trump was the main source and distributor of disinformation in ethnic and Indigenous press in the US. The research also linked the prevalence of political disinformation to a decline in trust in the news and an increase in violence against journalists.
Citizens' perceptions of government effectiveness play a crucial role in shaping media choices during times of conflict, according to new research. Exposure to violence alone doesn't significantly impact trust in non-regime media; instead, citizens turn to alternative sources when they believe the state has failed to protect them.
Researchers found that ad hominem attacks are the most common way users confront perceived errors in comment sections, with a reliance on reputation-based insults. The study highlights the prevalence of this tactic and its implications for online discourse.
A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that firearm use in popular US movies increased by 200% from 2000 to 2021, mirroring the rise in firearm homicide rates among young people aged 15-24. The research suggests that portrayal of guns in entertainment may play a role in promoting their use for violent purposes.
A new study analyzed 53 popular films and found that most depict idealized and aspirational views of puberty, romance, and relationships. This can lead to a disconnect between on-screen representations and real-life experiences, influencing how teens perceive themselves and their place in the world.
Researchers found journalists' reliance on online resources increased significantly during COVID-19, exposing them to threats like trolling, cyber stalking, and fake news. The study suggests a need for more resources to help journalists build skills to mitigate online trauma.
A study by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche found that sexual victimization occurs in approximately 20% of Spanish gamers, while hate-motivated incidents affect 20-30% of players. The research highlights the need for game developers to implement preventive measures and user protection tools.
Researchers developed an algorithm that achieves high levels of both accuracy and fairness in detecting toxic speech on social media. The approach uses a fairness measurement called Group Accuracy Parity (GAP) to find desirable combinations of accuracy and fairness for specific situations.
Researchers found that individuals with excessive and dependent social media use are more likely to engage with and believe false information. The study suggests that social media addiction may lead to increased susceptibility to misinformation.
A national study by Rutgers researchers found that nearly two-thirds of US adults have experienced some form of in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to be exposed. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in media-based exposure, with Black adults reporting the highest levels of exposure.
Research from the University of Kansas found that social media did not bridge gaps between feminist groups and traditional Algerian thought, instead promoting violence and oppression. Despite having common goals, women faced misogyny and marginalization online.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers used AI language models and human readers to analyze 1.3 million news excerpts referencing the police in 10 US cities from 2013 to 2023. The study found that local media criticism of police has remained steady, with only small differences in coverage between conservative and libe...
A recent study found substantial variation in US homicide rates across counties, racial and ethnic groups, age, and sex, highlighting populations and places with high rates of violence. The findings emphasize the need for awareness and violence prevention efforts to address these disparities.
A recent study found that from 2009 through 2020, child victims in mass shootings were most likely to be killed by parents or family members. The research highlights the often-overlooked role of domestic violence in these tragic events.
A global survey of 13,500 people in six European countries and the USA reveals that a majority want harmful social media content restricted. The study highlights differences among countries, with some nations supporting stricter regulations than others.
A new study finds that parents' own screen habits significantly increase the likelihood of preteens engaging with mature media. Proactive parental monitoring and clear media rules are linked to lower consumption of mature content.
A new study found that early exposure to violent TV content in childhood is associated with increased risk of antisocial behavior in teenagers, especially boys. The study, led by Professor Linda Pagani, followed over 1,900 children from ages 3.5 to 15 and found that boys who watched more violent TV content had higher rates of aggressiv...
A study by Technical University of Munich finds that digital violence discourages political participation, particularly among women, who experience sexualized online attacks. The survey shows that more than half of those affected modify their behavior, including giving up on politics entirely.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that violence in movies is trending upwards, with a notable increase in speech about committing murder, regardless of character gender. The findings are consistent with previous studies and highlight the growing trend of violence in cinematic content.
A new study analyzing movie subtitles found a significant increase in murderous verbs in dialogue over the past 50 years. Non-crime movies showed a notable rise in violent language, while crime movies had even steeper increases.
A study found that ChatGPT provides higher fatality numbers when asked in Arabic compared to questions in Hebrew, highlighting the impact of user language on information dissemination. The researchers believe this has profound social implications, as it can shape perceptions of conflict and fuel biases.
A team of UC Irvine experts urges policymakers to promote media literacy campaigns to educate the public about graphic images and their impact on mental health. Exposure to such images can lead to increased distress and desensitization, highlighting the need for balance between free information dissemination and ethical considerations.
A new study reveals that ChatGPT's automated content moderation filters can flag nearly 20% of its own generated scripts for content violations, including half of PG-rated shows. The research raises questions about the efficacy of using AI as a tool in scriptwriting and its potential impact on artistic expression.
A recent study suggests that YouTube's automated video recommendations for children do not always filter out violent or age-inappropriate content, leaving young users exposed to problematic clickbait. Researchers analyzed over 2,800 video thumbnails recommended by the platform and found that many contained disturbing images or messages.
A new interface developed by researchers at the University of Sydney aims to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media. The tool adds a 'more information' button to posts, linking users to details about retracted science claims, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.
Researchers analyzed 60 hours of Netflix content, finding that it often portrays only violent injuries as causing pain, neglecting medical procedures and chronic pain. The study highlights the need for more diverse and inclusive portrayals of pain in media to better support adolescents' experiences.
A new analysis of adolescent TV and film on Netflix suggests that the platform often trivializes pain by focusing on violent acts, while neglecting more common experiences like back pain and menstrual cramps. The study highlights the need for more realistic and diverse representations of pain sufferers.
A recent neuroscientific study investigated whether violent video games affect adult empathy. Contrary to previous findings, the research found no negative impact on empathy and brain activity. The study's authors caution against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the need for further research to understand potential effects on vulner...
A UMass Lowell researcher has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to study the effectiveness of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) in preventing mass public shootings. The research aims to analyze how such laws impact gun violence and provide insights into data interpretation, social media behavior, and warning signs.
A new NIH grant will investigate how news media reports on community firearm violence affect survivors, communities, and policymakers. The research aims to develop evidence-based guidelines for safer reporting, inspired by successful approaches for other traumatic events.
A new study found that high-peace countries are characterized by an increased prevalence of words related to optimism for the future and fun, while low-peace countries feature more references to control and fear. The research used a machine learning model to identify these linguistic patterns in media articles from 18 countries.
A collected sample of 30 million Indian tweets revealed 2% containing misogynistic language, with rates rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a taxonomy to classify online misogyny and measured its prevalence in India.
Scientists estimate annual probability of a mass shooting in every US state and public places like schools, using statistical methods and computer simulations. The study finds that mass shootings are low-probability but high-consequence events.
The study found that receiving videos or reminders increased consumption of media content about the issue, increased knowledge about available resources, and reported use of some resources in response to violence. However, long-term attitudes towards gender and marital equity remained unchanged.
The study found that intimate partner violence experiences during the pandemic were associated with increased mental health symptoms and negative health factors in younger female participants. The authors highlight the need for screening and interventions to prevent severe long-term health consequences.
A new study reveals that online hate speech is frequently conveyed through subtle and modified wording, allowing it to evade detection. Covert methods of expression are being used by haters to avoid detection, highlighting the need for increased attention to implied ways of expressing hate.
A new study by Cornell University researchers has discovered the benefits of positive everyday racial encounters for Asian Americans. The study found that experiencing 'racial uplifts' - such as bonding over ethnic music or food, or sharing culture with others - reduces negative feelings and increases positive feelings and self-esteem.
A Temple-led study explores how recently firearm-injured individuals perceive news media coverage of their injuries and firearm violence. Participants reported feeling relieved when not
The study identifies four key drivers of political violence in the United States: toxic polarization, identity-based ideologies, erosion of democratic norms, and disinformation. These drivers contribute to increased acceptance of political violence and undermine democratic institutions.
A new study led by Linda Pagani found that watching violent TV during the preschool years can lead to later risks of psychological and academic impairment. Exposure to typical violent screen content at a critical time in brain development can predict later psychological distress and academic risks.
New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.
Most U.S. states have laws addressing teen dating violence in secondary schools, but these laws vary in content and comprehensiveness. The study highlights the need for improved legislation to prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
A recent analysis found that simple media exposure has a very small effect on radicalization, even in individuals with aggressive predispositions. Exposure to radical content online is associated with a higher risk of turning to violence among already radicalized individuals.
A special issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines the effects of the George Floyd protests on the criminal justice system. Studies focus on policy changes, police institutional change, and public attitudes surrounding defunding the police.
A new publication sheds light on how words used in relation to firearm injuries and deaths can impact prevention efforts. The authors emphasize the need for shared, informed, non-judgmental language to create trust and sustainable collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and the public.
Research by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that gun violence on popular prime-time TV dramas doubled from 2000 to 2018, with gun use substantially increasing and rising significantly as a proportion of the violence depicted in the shows. This trend parallels the rise in U.S. homicide deaths attributable to firearms.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center found that the proportion of gun violence in US TV dramas increased between 2000 and 2018, mirroring real-life gun homicide trends among youths. The study suggests a potential link between media gun violence and real-life gun use for violent purposes.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed an AI tool that analyzes movie scripts to predict violent, substance-abuse, and sexual content. The tool classifies sentences and phrases into three categories, providing instant feedback for filmmakers to design a desired rating.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that news reports place disproportionate emphasis on fatal and multiple shootings, while underreporting common victims. The researchers believe this could affect public perception of gun violence and shape policy decisions.
A new study finds that the decision to purchase a gun is driven by a fear of stricter regulations rather than self-protection after a mass shooting. The research, led by NYU Tandon Institute Professor Maurizio Porfiri, kicks off a larger study on individual, state, and national drivers of firearm behavior.
A new study examines how mainstream media covers protests, finding that negative coverage is often more prevalent in anti-status quo events. The research suggests that journalists should focus on the substance of a protest rather than its violence or spectacle.
A new study co-led by a Cornell researcher found that individuals who recognize similarities between people they know and those depicted in the media are more likely to believe common rape myths. Media literacy education could help raise awareness about sexual violence and improve prevention programs on college campuses.