The amount of violence that is portrayed in the media is overwhelming.
In all the newspapers, magazines, radio and television broadcasts, films and Internet sites, violence is the most often shown and recurring theme. .
Many television programs, the most popular form of media, contain violence in one form or another. In fact, 61% of all television programs feature violence and violent acts. These images however do not often show the effects violence has on victims, and they glamorize the users of violence in almost half of violent acts. Perpetrators of violence have qualities that make them attractive to viewers, especially children. .
Children and young adults listen to music and watch television in extremely large quantities. The average American child watches 3-4 hours of television daily and the average American teenager listens to 10,500 hours of music during the span of 7th and 12th grade. Before they reach 18, the average American sees simulated murders on television reaching the tremendous quantity of 18,000. Youths often view content that is not intended towards them. Musicians and actors are the influence of a number of children and many of these celebrities promote a negative or destructive image.
The media uses a common philosophy when it comes to attaining more fame and money. Companies show violence because people are known to enjoy it. Whatever is the greatest demand, then that will obviously be the most shown product or image. A famous saying, "If it bleeds, it leads", is an excellent portrayal of the way the entertainment industry operates.
Media violence has negative effects on audiences. Hundreds of studies and surveys have found time and time again the connection with media and real-life violence. In the 1990's, polls showed a 50% increase in people's belief that media violence contributes to real-life violence. Most media is targeted towards the most vulnerable part of the population, youths.
