EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO VIOLENT MEDIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE (2012-2022)

Abstract

The article systematically analyzes the empirical literature on media and violence over the last ten years. As part of a larger report, the text focuses on 35 articles that have analyzed the effects of exposure to violent content. Despite varying levels of robustness, this literature demonstrates that exposure to violent content has a number of deleterious and long-lasting effects, especially among young people. These include aggressive behavior, mental disorders, brain changes, worsened sleep and eating habits and altered perceptions. The text also seeks to document which policies and protective factors can be used to mitigate these negative externalities. The findings suggest that children's exposure to media violence has several detrimental effects, including violent and aggressive behavior, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, among others.