Are You Experiencing The Effects Of Mean World Syndrome?
Our exposure to violent content from television and other mass media can influence us into thinking that the world is more dangerous than it really is, this is Mean World Syndrome.
It was researcher George Gerbner who first coined the phrase to describe the effects of television on society. He has noted that people who watch a large amount of television tend to think of the world as intimidating and dangerous. Whereas those who avoid television view the world far more favourably.
Gerbner claims that the spread of this syndrome has become more intense with the use of DVDs, videos and online content. Studies in the 1930s showed that mass media has a considerable influence on human behaviours. This is referred to as the Hypodermic model which describes how people are injected with messages and suggestions from the media.
Another powerful source of messages is video and computer games. Tests have shown that exposure to violent games clearly increases aggressive thoughts and increases arousal. Teenagers who played violent video games were found to present a lower heart rate and lower galvanic skin response than those who have not played such games when presented with images of real violence.
It has been found that by presenting extreme violent behavior as normal there is greater chance that someone will display these behviors themselves when provoked.
Humans are highly suggestible creatures and the media is a very powerful influence upon us all. If we keep hearing that the world is a dangerous place then this is what we will believe. People who are strongly influenced by violent video games are much more likely to respond violently to real-life confrontations.
Mass media plays an enormous part in the way in which we view the world and modern gaming technology clearly influences those who play violent games.
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Your kids and television – how much is too much?
Children & TV
The average child spends 900 hours in school per year and nearly 1,023 hours in front of a television. In fact, most children plug into the varied world of television way before they even enter school and when they do, statistics show that 70% of child-care centers use television during a typical day.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children watch around four hours of television a day. The AAP guidelines however, state that children older than 2 should watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming. Further, children under age 2 should have no ‘screen time’ whatsoever (that’s no TV, DVDs, computers or video games) at all. During the first 2 years, which is a critical time for brain development, television can really get in the way of exploring, learning and spending time interacting and playing with parents and others, which helps the young develop the skills they need to grow cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally.
While there are many entertaining and educational experiences for children to have on ‘screens’, it is important to keep in mind what children need at different ages for their healthy development. So, how much time is okay?
- Children under 2 years – very little time, preferably none.
- Preschoolers – an hour of age-appropriate programmes a day is plenty.
- Children 5 to 8 years – an hour a day maximum.
- Children over 8 years – an hour and a half to two hours a day is acceptable.
To follow these guidelines means that your children have the time and opportunity to build strong bonds with real and caring people, have time for active physical play and ‘hands-on’ activities of all kinds.
Therefore, plan what you watch and limit your child to the amount watched each day. Decide together what programs will be watched and only have ‘the box’ on then, rather than on all the time. This teaches children to think, plan, to make choices and also allows time for them to do a variety of other things important for their development.
Other issues to be aware of or implement include:
- Remember to lead by example – your child’s viewing habits may be copied from yours.
- Television viewing for a very young child should be in your company.
- Record programs so they can be played at a time that suits your family.
- Encourage children to discuss how they feel after watching a program.
- Play ‘spot the gimmicks and tricks’ when watching commercials.
- Decide on bedtime based on your child’s age, and not on the time a certain programme ends.
- Children need to relax and unwind between television and sleep, so turn the volume down or off before bedtime.
- Make television one of many activities your children do – so organise outings, play-dates and activities for them that don’t involve ‘screens’. Fun arts and crafts such as coloring and drawing are always well received – especially if you join in – and especially if you choose coloring pages of a favourite character – so for example at sites like Spongebob Coloring Pages you’ll find the best Spongebob coloring book pages
Television has its advantages. It can be educational and entertaining. It can open up new worlds for kids, giving them the opportunity to virtually travel the globe and learn about different cultures. However, many pitfalls also exist; many children are exposed to violence, advertising and adult material that is not age appropriate.
Like maintaining a balanced diet or regular bedtime, establishing healthy television habits is one of the most important things you can do for your family.