ABSTRACT

This chapter considers visual media in the context of observed levels of aggression in children. The mass media has been a source of socialisation where all too readily specific celebrities are imitated as favourite role models. The mass media refers to the different means of communication used to disseminate information to a very large audience. Social media has unlimited information that can be copied, adapted and shared with others. As peoples are living in a digital world, young people are engaging with it. Televised violence, however, is not the only media source believed to encourage aggressive and antisocial behaviour – video game programmes with violence have also been found to impact on social behaviour. When considering the impact on social behaviour that the mass media and social media in particular have on children and adolescents, it becomes apparent that individuals react differently. Children and adolescents can have positive experiences with digital media.