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Strong female portrayals eliminate negative effects of violent media

A recent study found that positive depictions of strong female characters can mitigate the negative impacts of violent media on viewers' attitudes towards women. The research, conducted by Christopher Ferguson, surveyed 150 university students and showed that men and women exhibited less anxiety when viewing shows with positive female ...

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateAug 30, 2012

Violent games not to blame for youth aggression

A new study published in Journal of Youth and Adolescence found no link between violent video games and serious acts of youth aggression or violence. Instead, depression was identified as a strong predictor of youth violence and aggression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 14, 2010

Violent video games can improve vision

A Tel Aviv University study found that playing violent video games can enhance the ability of teenagers to discriminate between subtle contrasts in color or shades of gray. After playing 50 hours of violent action games, players showed a significant improvement in contrast sensitivity, with some even experiencing up to 58% enhancement.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2009

Video games and violence

A recent study by Patrick Kierkegaard suggests that there is limited scientific evidence linking video games to real-world aggression. In fact, research shows that violent video games have not led to an increase in violence but rather may have reduced it. The study's findings contradict previous work on the topic and highlight the need...

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry·DateMay 14, 2008

Teens half as likely to smoke if they are wise to subliminal messages in cigarette ads

A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study suggests that teens with higher media literacy scores are nearly half as likely to smoke. The results provide quantitative evidence linking media literacy to smoking and hold promise for schools and community organizations seeking to implement effective tobacco control programs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 9, 2006

Media violence linked to concentration, self-control

Researchers found that media violence exposure may be associated with alterations in brain function, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is linked to attention and self-control. High exposure to violent media was linked to reduced activity in this area, while low exposure showed increased activity.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Tomography·DateJun 9, 2005

TV ads during sports depict unsafe behavior and violence

A study found that nearly one in five commercials during televised major sporting events show unsafe behavior, with bicycles ridden without helmets being depicted frequently. The study also revealed that 14% of commercials showed unsafe behavior, while 6% displayed violence, mostly in movies and TV programs.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 6, 2004

Report shows 'unequivocal evidence' that media violence has significant negative impact on children

A recent report by the Association for Psychological Science reveals that media violence consistently shows a link to aggressive behavior in children. The short-term exposure to violent media can increase aggression, while long-term exposure can produce lasting increases in aggressive thought patterns and emotions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateMar 25, 2004