Today we'll be taking a look at 6 questions relating to violence, and why people seem to enjoy seeing violence sometimes. I'll be both providing my own thoughts and opinions, as well as trying to take an objective look through studies and statistics.
1. What is the attraction of violent videogames and movies?
In my experience most games that are violent aren't actually mainly interesting or enjoyable because of the violence. The violence is usually just a means to encourage a competitive environment between players. That said, there definitely are games where the violence is one of the main selling points, such as doom eternal. I think that the reason these sorts of games are so popular is because they're inherently enjoyable. There is some part of the brain that just naturally enjoys problem solving through violence, and indulging that part of the brain can be a great stress reliever. It's much the same concept for movies; seeing somebody else solve problems through violence not only subverts modern expectations, but is inherently interesting and to some degree enjoyable. The reason for this likely has to do with survival instincts left over from a more primitive time. This interview/article suggests that violence has survival value for any species, and seeing violence can give a sort of adrenaline rush, which can be really exciting in a safe environment.
2. Is there more violent imagery in media now as opposed to the past? Why?
I wouldn't necessarily say that the intensity of the violence has increased, but the availability certainly has. You'd have a very slim chance of opening a news site and not seeing anything violent. Even on the average scroll through social media, you're very likely to see something that at least suggests violence. There will always be something violent happening in the world, and people will always be talking about whatever the newest and biggest violent thing happens to be. Media in general has never been as readily available as it is today, and so it makes natural sense that increased access to media means increased access to violent media.
3. What kinds of people are drawn to violent imagery? What kind of violent images draw them to that form of entertainment?
Alright first of all this question is phrased in such a way that doesn't make much sense. But I'll still try to answer it. According to this video here, anyone from anywhere around the world is likely to be attracted to violence. This website proposes that violence is learned through exposure to violence at a young age and through the environment that surrounds us. If this is the case, people who were exposed to violence at a young age or regularly in their day-to-day life may be more likely to be drawn to violent media.
The type of violent imagery that draws people in would greatly depend on the person and what they're trying to get from the media. People may be more likely to prefer sexual violence, physical violence, property crimes, etc depending on what fantasies they're trying to fulfill, or what they have been exposed to in the past.
4. What is morbid curiosity?
This article here just about sums it up and explains it. Morbid curiosity is the urge we get to subject ourselves willingly to seeing violent or otherwise unpleasant things. The article I linked before suggests that the reason for morbid curiosity stems once again from survival instincts. In order to avoid danger, we need to see the results of that danger. Seeing someone else get hurt may help us to make better informed decisions in the future to keep ourselves alive, and so we feel an urge to look.
5. Are there any equally satisfying substitutions for violent entertainment?
It is well known that the two things that sell are sex and violence. If that's the case, then clearly these two must be nearly equivalent in satisfaction value. While they're likely equal, they are in most cases quite different, and satisfy different parts of our brains and nature.
6. What draws our attention to violent media events that are not intended to entertain?
This one likely once again connects back to morbid curiosity and survival instincts, as well as a need to feel informed on what's happening in the world around us. Humans are also inherently drawn to conflict and conflict resolution, due to our pattern seeking problem solving brains, and where there is violence there is most certainly conflict.
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