Media Violence.
A large number of crimes in America is primarily the cause of the media. Television has created a perception that crime has multiplied, double, or triple, in the past quarter-century due to violence. In fact, US Justice Department survey data shows, crime in the US has dropped 24 percent since 1971 and violent crime is down 2 percent (AAP Committee). Crime statistics serve the media well. The reporting of violent news, presentation of violent movies and violent reality-based "cops" shows has made violent crime a growth industry for the television, press, and media. In 1950, only 10% of American homes had a television and by 1960 the percentage had grown to 90%. Today 99% of homes have a television. Actuality, more families own a television than a phone (AAP Committee).
Children spend more time learning about life through media than any other manner. The average child spends approximately 28 hours a week watching television, which is twice as much time as they spend in school (Dr. Ledingham, Jane). Most people based their lives around the media that are presented to them in this matter. What we see is what we learn and what we learn is presented in our everyday lives. Life time studies are showing that habits and behavior patterns of a single person found that 8-year-old boys, who viewed the most violent programs growing up, were the most likely to engage in aggressive and violent behavior by age 18 and serious criminal behavior by age 30. Also a 55% of children reported that they watch T.V. alone or with a friend, but not with the family (Dr. Ledingham, Jane). Watching a media report on how to steal cars will influence a youngster to become a car thief for the reason that he is more educated about the situation, looking forward to the adrenaline rush, and punishment lacking knowledge. Being in that state can excite a teenager and remove all anxiety of consequences.
