Children learn by observing the world around them and watching violent acts on television isn"t a beneficial observation. Troubled viewers are prone to committing violent acts even more than the average viewers. Not only does the portrayal of violence in the media stimulate real-life violence, it also provides more ideas and ways in which violence can be used. Also, untrue stereotypes are encouraged from entertainment that portray minorities as committers of violent crimes.
Music also plays a large part in people's lives, sometimes even greater than television. Dr. Arram Goldstein of Stanford University found that 96% of people receive their greatest thrills from music. A number of teenage killers were fans of controversial rocker Marilyn Manson. In his music, Manson often speaks about doing harm to or killing others. Music has also been known to cause depression, homicide, suicide and other crimes. A worshipper of Satan (Manson) influencing the youth of America will no doubt have harmful repercussions.
Long-term and consistent exposure to violence in the media causes large changes among one's social and physical behavior. The way in which violence is shown creates risks and problems. Punishment due to violent acts is uncommon in the media, adding to a more dangerous view of the world. All the news media telling of violent acts and all the onscreen images gives people a greater fear of violence affecting them. Desensitization occurs from seeing many violent acts. A desensitized person has less empathy towards victims of violence and is more aggressive, even in the way they communicate with others. Glamorizing of users of violence also stimulates real-life violence, making it seem an acceptable way of behavior. "If he does it, how come I can't?" Accepting of violence becomes more common and it is used a solution to problems. The worst effect of media violence is something known as the Mean World Syndrome.
