Psychological Theories Supporting the Link
1. Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977)
- Proposes that people learn through observation and imitation of others.
- Exposure to immoral media can model negative behaviors, which individuals may then imitate. (Bushman & Huesmann, 2011)
2. Cognitive-Neoassociation Theory (Anderson & Bushman, 2002)
- Suggests that repeated exposure to violent media can create cognitive associations between aggressive cues and hostile thoughts and behaviors.
- Over time, these cues can trigger aggressive responses in individuals. (Gentile & Bushman, 2012)
3. Priming Theory (Bargh & Ferguson, 2000)
- Posits that exposure to specific stimuli can activate related cognitive schemas and influence subsequent thoughts and behaviors.
- Exposure to immoral media can prime individuals for aggression, making them more likely to engage in aggressive acts. (Anderson et al., 2010)
4. Media Violence and Desensitization Theory (Sparks et al., 1994)
- Proposes that repeated exposure to violent media can reduce individuals' sensitivity to violence, leading to increased tolerance for it.
- This desensitization can make people more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors without feeling guilt or remorse. (Bushman, 2011)
5. Cultivation Theory (Gerbner et al., 1994)
- Argues that long-term exposure to television and other media can shape individuals' perceptions of reality and social norms.
- Exposure to immoral media can cultivate the belief that the world is a violent and dangerous place, increasing individuals' likelihood of engaging in defensive and aggressive behaviors. (Morgan & Shanahan, 1997)
Supporting Research
- Studies have shown that exposure to violent media can increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in both short-term and long-term exposure. (Bushman & Huesmann, 2011; Anderson et al., 2010)
- Research indicates that even non-violent media that portray immoral behaviors, such as cheating or stealing, can also promote unethical behaviors in viewers. (Cortes et al., 2014)
- Longitudinal studies have found that exposure to violent media in childhood and adolescence is associated with increased risk of criminal behavior in adulthood. (Huesmann et al., 2003)
Conclusion
Psychological theories and empirical evidence provide strong support for the idea that exposure to immoral media can promote the learning of bad behaviors. Through mechanisms such as social learning, cognitive priming, and desensitization, immoral media can influence individuals' thoughts, feelings, and actions, leading to increased aggressive, unethical, and criminal behaviors.