ABSTRACT
Perhaps no area of mass communication research has greater social implications than that on how violence and sex are portrayed in the media. This chapter examines both media violence and sexually explicit media fare as they affect the viewer. The chapter begins by looking at the role of violence in the media, reasons for that role, and the effect of violent media fare on individuals and on society. We then focus on the effects of sexually explicit media. The methods employed in conducting research in media sex and violence are then explored, and a sample study is provided.
