Violent Video Research Articles

Violent media games contents as correlates of aggressive behavior among in-school adolescents

The study focused on ascertaining the extent violent media games’ contents relate to aggressive behavior among in-school adolescents. Two specific purposes, and two research questions guided the study. Two hypotheses were tested. The study adopted correlational research design. The population of the study was 30,839 students from 128 public secondary schools which consists of 15, 676 males and 15,163 female students. The sample of the study was 395 students. Multi stage sampling procedure was adopted for the study. The instruments for data collection were structured questionnaire titled: (1) Violent Media Games Content, and (2) Aggressive Behavior Questionnaire. The instruments were face validated by one specialist in measurement and evaluation and two specialists in Guidance and Counselling, all from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The reliability of the instruments were established using Cronbach Alpha, and yielded a coefficient value of 0.856. 359 copies of the instruments were distributed to the respondents with the help of three research assistants. All the copies were returned. The research questions were answered using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). The PPMCC was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was revealed that low level positive relationship exist between violent media games’ content and aggressive behavior among in-school adolescents and there was a statistical significant relationship between violent media Games’ content and Aggressive behavior based on gender. It was recommended, among other things, that school authorities should organize workshops for in-school adolescents in order to educate male and female students on the danger of watching violent media games, while the government should regulate the kinds of media games imported into the country.

Supplemental Material for The Impact of Acute and Cumulative Exposure to Violent Film on Social Cognition in University Students

Supplemental Material for The Impact of Acute and Cumulative Exposure to Violent Film on Social Cognition in University Students

Communicative constructivism and relational knowledge: what we can learn from the study of gore videos

ABSTRACT This paper examines the relationship between communicative constructivism and knowledge formation, with a focus on the epistemic dimensions of extremely violent media. While communicative constructivism builds on Berger and Luckmann’s sociology of knowledge, it shifts the focus from subject-centred cognition to the role of communicative action in shaping knowledge. This shift is particularly relevant in the context of gore videos – media artifacts that document real lethal violence – where knowledge is co-constructed through perception, affect, and mediality. By examining how these videos generate different forms of violence-related knowledge (knowledge of violence, knowledge about violence, and knowledge through violence), this study demonstrates that knowledge is not merely a cognitive or linguistic construct but emerges from embodied and relational processes. Additionally, this paper extends communicative constructivism by integrating insights from the theory of anthropomedial relations, showing that knowledge is dynamically produced through the interplay of bodies, media, and social interactions. This relational approach to knowledge challenges traditional dichotomies of subjective versus objective knowledge, offering a nuanced perspective on how violent media shape epistemic processes in contemporary digital environments.

Eliminating false positive results to effectively analyze anomaly changes in violent videos

Eliminating false positive results to effectively analyze anomaly changes in violent videos

GDLAVID-graph-based Deep Learning Approach for ‎Automatic Violence Detection in Videos

This paper presents a method for detecting violence in videos using Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Spatio-Temporal Graph Neural ‎Networks (ST-GNNs). In this approach, each video frame is turned into a graph where people and objects are treated as nodes, and their ‎interactions are represented by connections. By studying these interactions over time, violent activities can be identified. The method was ‎tested on the Smart-City CCTV Violence Detection Dataset for Automatic Violence Detection in Videos, from Kaggle, which contains short ‎video clips labeled as violent or non-violent. The results show that this technique is effective in recognizing violent incidents in different ‎situations, making it useful for public safety and real-time surveillance.

Twitch aggression profile: exploring aggression on a live mixed-media platform

ABSTRACT The current study addresses an emerging social issue: violence and aggression on live-streaming social media. It employs Twitch as a target platform for exploration and Cultivation Theory as the theoretical framework. As the originator of the theory, George Gerbner, conducted content analysis of television content to probe violence on the medium in his Cultural Indicators (CI) project, this study seeks to conduct a partial replication of his project on Twitch. Both manual content analysis and computational text analysis were utilized to observe aggression in each of the three media dimensions of Twitch – video game play, streamer broadcast speech, and viewer chat. The results of this study revealed that aggression is prevalent on Twitch across all three media dimensions. Surprisingly, the percentage of violent game play on Twitch is almost the same as the percentage of violent television programs that the original CI team averaged the results between 1967 and 2015. In addition, this study showed that intersections of different types of aggression are common on Twitch. Taken together, although more than half a century has passed since Gerbner and his team's first CI data collection, media platforms still appeal to their users with aggressive content. Accordingly, the cultural function of storytelling with aggressive messages may still hold in the current era of social media. The findings are further discussed in the context of the current media landscape.

Media violence exposure and aggressive behaviour among Chinese adolescents: the mediating role of rumination and the moderating role of trait empathy

ABSTRACT We examined the relationship between media violence exposure and aggressive behaviour among Chinese adolescents, focusing on the mediating role of rumination and the moderating role of trait empathy. Using a sample of 601 Chinese adolescents, we construct a moderated mediation model, controlling for demographic characteristics of adolescents. Media violence exposure positively predicted aggressive behaviour, and rumination partially mediated the relationship between media violence exposure and aggressive behaviour, suggesting that media violence exposure not only directly affects aggressive behaviour but also indirectly affects it through rumination. Trait empathy moderated the effect of media violence exposure on aggressive behaviour and the effect of rumination on aggressive behaviour. Specifically, the effects of media violence exposure and rumination on aggression were more significant in adolescents with low trait empathy compared to those with high trait empathy. Trait empathy serves as a buffer, mitigating the impact of media violence exposure and rumination on aggressive behaviour.

Perceptions of media portrayed violence among South Korean college students using Q methodology

Although numerous studies examine violence portrayed in the media, few have explored how viewers subjectively perceive it despite the presence of contradictory viewpoints. This study employs Q methodology to investigate South Korean college students’ subjective perceptions of media violence. The Q sample comprises 33 statements, and the P-set includes 17 university students. The analysis reveals three perception types. Type 1 (Media Violence Freedom Advocates) believe that personal values influence media violence and do not view it as a problem. They argue that regulating media violence would infringe on freedom of expression. Type 2 (Media Violence Personal Responsibility Emphasizers) view media violence as a means of portraying social issues and find violent content engaging, assuming that wrongdoers ultimately receive punishment. Lastly, Type 3 (Media Violence Ethics and Regulation Advocates) supports regulating media violence and implementing appropriate educational initiatives to address this issue. Understanding these perspectives among college students provides valuable insights for developing media regulations and educational policies.

Representasi Kekerasan Pada Remaja Di Amerika Serikat (Analisis Semiotika Roland Barthes Pada Film Scream Vi )

Movies as mass media not only serve as entertainment, but also represent social phenomena. This study analyzes the meaning of violence in the film Scream VI using Roland Barthes' semiotic method with a qualitative approach and representation theory. The results show that violence in Scream VI is represented through three main aspects: physical violence in brutal murder as a form of revenge, psychological violence due to repeated trauma and fear, and myths that build the narrative that violence is a form of self-defense and a way to get justice. The film also shows how emotionally wounded individuals are caught in a cycle of revenge. This research contributes to the study of communication and media by providing insights into the representation of violence in horror films as well as its impact on adolescents. These findings can serve as a reference for academics, film critics, and policymakers in understanding the influence of media on public perception.

Cultivating Perceptions: Examining the Role of Media in Shaping Attitudes and Mental Well-being through Cultivation Theory

This paper reviewed the use of Cultivation Theory in two different studies: Żerebecki et al., (2021) to evaluate the extent and ways of reinforcing positive diverse attitudes through television and Iqbal et al., (2024) on the psychological effects of violent television news on students of higher learning institutions. As both studies identified the long-term crescendo of attitudinal and psychological changes that are brought about by media use, Cultivation Theory appeared pertinent. The prospective of this paper is firstly to outline major conclusions, secondly, to evaluate the approach of the theory applying, thirdly, to discuss other frameworks, and finally, to stress the need to introduce wider considerations to improve the understanding of how media influence society.

Exploring Predictors of Bullying Perpetration Among Adolescents Using Machine Learning Approach.

This study used machine learning methods to detect risk and protective factors for bullying perpetration in adolescents. The study sample consisted of 777 students with an age range of 11 to 16 years old. Multidimensional data covering both individual and environmental levels were collected. Individual factors included moral disengagement, normative beliefs about aggression, neuroticism, and self-control; environmental factors included parent-child relationships, deviant peer affiliation, school connection, and violent media exposure. The current study tested and compared six machine learning algorithms: Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree, XGBoost, LightGBM, and Stacking, to detect risk and protective factors for bullying behavior. The results demonstrated that: (a) the Random Forest algorithm performed optimally, with recall, F1 score, and area under the curve values of 0.9394, 0.8516, and 0.8043, respectively; (b) both Gini importance and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values identified self-control as the most significant protective factor, while moral disengagement was identified as the most influential risk factor. The recommended model not only provides an application value in preventing bullying but also provides a scientific basis for developing targeted interventions.

Analyzing Violence and Spatial Narrative in Chinese Mainland Youth Films (1990-2022)

This paper examines the evolution of youth films in Chinese cinema from 1990 to 2022, focusing on the portrayal of youth violence and the use of spatial narratives to reflect the societal and cultural changes in China. Through a comprehensive analysis of selected films, the study traces how youth violence, including domestic, social, and campus violence, has been depicted across three distinct periods. In the 1990s, youth films primarily focused on personal growth and rebellion against family authority, with violence largely reflecting generational conflicts. In the 2000s, as China experienced increased globalization and commercialization, the focus shifted towards social violence, including bullying and peer pressure, as youth navigated the tensions between traditional values and modernity. The 2010s saw a marked rise in campus violence, reflecting the intense academic pressures and mental health challenges faced by Chinese youth. The paper also explores how spatial narratives—specifically family, public, and campus spaces—play a crucial role in shaping the characters' development. Family spaces are often depicted as restrictive, while public spaces offer a sense of freedom and self-expression. Campus spaces, particularly in recent films, symbolize both the constraints of societal institutions and the potential for individual growth. By examining how violence interacts with these spaces, the study highlights how the evolving portrayal of youth violence in Chinese cinema mirrors societal anxieties and the changing concerns of youth in modern China. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of these findings for the future of youth films in China, particularly in the context of social media, digital platforms, and globalization. It proposes that filmmakers adopt a more nuanced approach to the portrayal of youth violence and create more authentic representations of youth struggles. The paper also suggests avenues for future research, including comparative studies of youth films from different countries and investigations into the psychological effects of these films on young audiences.

Female Characters Suffer from Sexual Violence in Zhang Yimou's Films: Their Images and Representations

In this paper, it provides a critical analysis of the portrayal of female characters experiencing sexual violence in Zhang Yimou's films, a prominent director known for his controversial depictions of women. It categorizes these characters into three distinct types: prostitutes, wives without abilities of self-protection, and women using sex for resistance. The paper examines the representation of these types across films such as The Flowers of War (2011), Full River Red (2023), Article 20 (2024),Coming Home (1978), Under the Light (2023), and JuDou (1990), revealing a pattern where their victimization and resistance are often framed within male-dominated narratives. This paper argues that, despite their attempts to rebel and resist, these characters are sexualized in the films and remain confined within a patriarchal framework, thereby reinforcing rather than challenging gender stereotypes. The paper concludes with a call for a reevaluation of these cinematic portrayals, thus advocating for more complex and empowering depictions of women that transcend traditional narratives.

Fast-paced and violent media exposure are positively associated with ADHD and impulsivity in college students.

Previous research reveals that screen media exposure is positively associated with attention problems and impulsivity. Three cross-sectional correlational studies examined the extent to which fast-paced versus violent media exposure are associated with attention-related problems in college students. Multiverse data analyses tested the robustness of results. Fast-paced and violent media effects were examined separately and uniquely using SEM. A Pilot study (N = 233) found weak but significant zero-order correlations of both fast-paced and violent media exposure on self-control. However, the main SEM results were not significant, although in the expected direction, perhaps because of single-item assessments of media pacing and violence. Main Studies 1 (N = 438) and 2 (N = 456) found that exposure to fast-paced media was positively associated with ADHD-symptoms; this effect was reduced when media violence was added to the model. Both studies also found that greater exposure to violent content was uniquely and positively associated with impulsivity. Overall, findings suggest that fast-paced and violent media yield small but reliable effects that may play an important role in attention-related problems in young adults. Future research should continue to investigate the relationships between media use on attention-related problems, especially longitudinal studies to test direction of causality.

Systematic Literature Review Kekerasan dan Ujaran Kebencian di Media Online dan Televisi

This Systematic Literature Review method aims to examine the results of research related to how to analyze the content of violence and hate speech in online media. The 10 research papers used are considered eligible for analysis. In this paper, researchers include articles that examine hate speech and violence content in online media between 2019 and 2023. The studies reviewed provide exploratory data on the Internet and social media as a space for online violence and hate speech. Social media was originally intended to facilitate social interaction, fast communication, and personal networking, however, social media platforms that support this have become a breeding ground for violence, hate speech, radicalism and cyberbullying, a social threat. In this Systematic literature review, we can conclude that the types of online violence and hate speech found in social media studies are sexual violence and hate speech.

Ecuador: A State of Violence—Live Broadcast of Terror

This article examines the audiovisual representation of violence during the armed takeover of the Ecuadorian television channel TC Television on 9 January 2024, an unprecedented event in the country’s recent media history. Employing a film analysis methodology, the study deconstructs the live broadcast by segmenting it into visual sequences and analyzing elements such as narrative content, shot composition, camera movement, sound design, and editing techniques. The interpretive phase includes narratological, iconic, and psychoanalytic readings. From a psychoanalytic perspective, the study explores the emotional impact of the broadcast on viewers, focusing on responses such as fear, anxiety, identification, projection, and the activation of psychological defense mechanisms. It also reflects on the broader sociocultural consequences of such representations of violence in public media. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for public investment in inclusive and high-quality education as a structural response to youth vulnerability, school dropout, and the risk of recruitment by organized criminal groups in Ecuador.

Two-Stage Video Violence Detection Framework Using GMFlow and CBAM-Enhanced ResNet3D

Video violence detection has gained significant attention in recent years due to its applications in surveillance and security. This paper proposes a two-stage framework for detecting violent actions in video sequences. The first stage leverages GMFlow, a pre-trained optical flow network, to capture the temporal motion between consecutive frames, effectively encoding motion dynamics. In the second stage, we integrate these optical flow images with RGB frames and feed them into a CBAM-enhanced ResNet3D network to capture complementary spatiotemporal features. The attention mechanism provided by CBAM enables the network to focus on the most relevant regions in the frames, improving the detection of violent actions. We evaluate the proposed framework on three widely used datasets: Hockey Fight, Crowd Violence, and UBI-Fight. Our experimental results demonstrate superior performance compared to several state-of-the-art methods, achieving AUC scores of 0.963 on UBI-Fight and accuracies of 97.5% and 94.0% on Hockey Fight and Crowd Violence, respectively. The proposed approach effectively combines GMFlow-generated optical flow with deep 3D convolutional networks, providing robust and efficient detection of violence in videos.

Screened Shadows: Navigating the Impact of Violent Movies and Crime OTT Series on Mental Well-Being

Abstract The proliferation of violent content in modern cinema and OTT platforms has sparked global discourse on its societal impact. This opinion examines the complex relationship between exposure to violent media content and mental well-being, with particular focus on children and adolescents. Analysis of diverse cinematic traditions, including Hollywood and Asian cinema, reveals distinct cultural approaches to violence portrayal. Research indicates significant correlations between violent media exposure and concerning outcomes: increased aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, and adoption of violence as a problem-solving mechanism. This opinion particularly emphasizes the role of parental mediation and co-viewing in moderating these effects. Evidence suggests long-term implications, including associations with real-world violence propensity and development of aggressive behavioral patterns. Cognitive impacts extend to decision-making abilities, impulse control, and risk assessment. Of particular significance is the previously underexplored relationship between media violence exposure and anxiety symptoms, affecting cognitive and emotional development in adolescents. This opinion examines how repeated exposure can distort reality perception and impair interpersonal relationships and contextualizes these findings within the ongoing debate between artistic freedom and social responsibility, analyzing varying regulatory approaches across different cultural contexts. This opinion contributes to the development of balanced frameworks that preserve creative expression while addressing public health concerns.

Adolescent Cyberbullying and Cyber Victimization: Longitudinal Study Before and During COVID-19.

Adolescent cyberbullying has been a persistent issue, exacerbated by the shift to remote learning and increased screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes have sparked concerns about potential increases in cyberbullying and its associated risks. This study aims to explore how factors such as age, exposure to violent media, parental communication quality, internet access, sex, and sibling relationships influence cyberbullying behavior at school. Additionally, we examine how the COVID-19 pandemic may have altered these dynamics. Leveraging a panel dataset, we examine the same group of adolescents both before and during the pandemic. The analysis focused on identifying relationships between the selected factors and cyberbullying perpetration and victimization, with an emphasis on the dynamics introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived quality of parental communication was found to reduce the risk of both cyberbullying perpetration and victimization, with the former effect becoming more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exposure to violent media increased both cyberbullying perpetration and victimization, but the effect on perpetration decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The well-established correlation between internet access and both cyberbullying perpetration and victimization remained unaffected by COVID-19. Surprisingly, adolescents with siblings were less likely to become victims or perpetrators of school-related cyberbullying, irrespective of the pandemic. In hindsight, COVID-19, functioning as a kind of natural experiment, has provided us with a unique opportunity to examine the effects of a global event, forcing major behavioral changes on the persistent challenge of cyberbullying in middle schools.

“Just Run Over Them” - Experiences, Perceptions and Evaluations of Violence Among Activists of Letzte Generation

In the last years, Letzte Generation has been a prominent and controversial group of climate activists in Germany. In 2021, the group began protesting across Germany, inspired by strategies of civil disobedience throughout Germany. Since then, a broad debate has erupted about Letzte Generation, their strategies, goals and legitimacy. Videos of attacks, threats and verbal abuse of activists by bystanders appeared. To get an understanding of the activists’ experiences and the violence they face on a regular basis, we conducted narrative interviews and a group discussion with activists from Letzte Generation in different cities. Through an analysis guided by the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), we sought to answer the following questions: What forms of violence manifest in the activists’ stories and experiences? How do activists perceive and process violence in the context of their activism? What role do group dynamics within the Letzte Generation play in the perception and processing of violence? Our findings reveal a range of violent experiences (verbal, physical, state repression, media violence). Activists perceive violence against themselves as normal while violence against other activists is perceived as more serious. They use emotional suppression, collective structures and rules, and conjunctive knowledge to navigate these experiences. In addition, the group uses utilitarian logic to justify the risks they take. Members of the group found themselves in conflicts between group needs and individual priorities, in some cases causing psychological distress, in others motivation for further engagement.