Repetitive exposure to media violence could be a positive thing for society if it taught the audience that: a. perpetrators are rewarded.
b. violence is justified.
c. violence causes serious long-term harm.
d. All of these responses are correct
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. violence causes serious long-term harm.
Repetitive exposure to media violence is often viewed negatively due to its potential to desensitize viewers and increase aggression. However, under specific circumstances, it could have a positive impact if it delivers clear and meaningful messages about the consequences of violence. Among the choices provided, only option c, which states that violence causes serious long-term harm, represents a constructive lesson that can contribute positively to society.
Teaching audiences that violence leads to serious long-term harm can foster empathy, discourage aggressive behavior, and promote conflict resolution through nonviolent means. If media consistently shows the real psychological, emotional, and physical consequences of violent actions, viewers may become more sensitive to the suffering of others and less inclined to glorify or imitate violent behavior.
Option a, which suggests that perpetrators are rewarded, could encourage people to believe that violence is a valid method for gaining success or respect, which is harmful. Similarly, b, stating that violence is justified, can reinforce the belief that violent responses are appropriate or acceptable in certain situations. These views are not beneficial to a peaceful society and can lead to normalization of harmful behaviors.
By contrast, when media highlights the damaging outcomes of violence, such as trauma, legal consequences, loss, and regret, it acts as a deterrent. It teaches audiences to think critically about the use of violence and to value peace and cooperation. Therefore, although repeated exposure to media violence is usually problematic, it has the potential to serve a positive purpose only if it consistently communicates the real harm that violence causes. This makes option c the only correct and socially beneficial answer among the choices.