Introduction

Recent research has unveiled a troubling trend: discussions of homicide and killing are not only present in films but on the rise, which experts warn could have significant health implications for both adults and children. Over the past 50 years, researchers like Brad Bushman, a professor of communication at Ohio State University, have documented a noticeable increase in dialogue related to murder across a variety of film genres, not just those typically associated with crime.

Bushman pointed out, “The surprising thing is the increase occurs not just for crime genres, which you would expect because they’re violent, but also for non-crime genres.” This finding raises questions about the growing acceptance of violence in mainstream media and its potential consequences on viewers.

Research Findings

The study, published in Jama Pediatrics, analyzed over 166,000 English-language films from 1970 to 2020, revealing that nearly 7% contained verbs related to "kill" or "murder." This figure represents a conservative estimate, as it does not account for other forms of violence depicted in films—like shooting or stabbing—which could further skew the perception of violence in media.

The researchers discovered that the prevalence of such violent dialogue has increased from 0.21% in the early 1970s to 0.37% by 2020. Both male and female characters exhibited this trend, but while male characters saw significant increases across all genres, female characters only showed growth in non-crime films.

Impact on Behavior

Previous analyses have drawn connections between exposure to violent media—whether through films, television, or video games—and increased aggressive behavior, especially in children. Some studies indicate that young viewers can become more antisocial and emotionally disturbed from prolonged exposure to such content. Nonetheless, a 2020 analysis contested that the correlation between violent behavior and media consumption was minimal, suggesting that pre-existing predispositions towards violence are a more significant factor.

Bushman stressed that while adults might choose what to view, the effect on children is particularly concerning. “We know there are many harmful effects of exposure to violent media. It increases aggressive behavior and desensitizes individuals to the pain and suffering of others,” he warned.

Voices of Disagreement

However, not all experts agree on the consequences of violent dialogue in media. Peter Etchells, a professor of psychology and science communication, cautioned against jumping to health concerns solely based on the frequency of violent language. “It’s a huge logical jump to go from counting the number of ‘murderous’ words in a movie, especially when that count is free of any context, to vague talk about health concerns,” he stated.

Conclusion

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the increasing trend of violence in films demands not only further scrutiny but also a critical approach to media consumption, especially regarding younger audiences. With a media landscape that is constantly evolving, promoting media literacy may be essential in guiding viewers toward healthier consumption habits.

Could this alarming trend reshape the way we view entertainment? The responsibility lies not just with filmmakers but with audiences to navigate these narratives thoughtfully.