Does Media Violence Cause Violent Crime?

Keywords

Crime, Media, Television, Violence, Aggression

Abstract

Over the past 60 years, hundreds of studies have shown that viewing violence in the media can influence aggressive behaviour. However, the vast majority of these studies are laboratory based, and tell us little about how media violence influences real criminal behaviour. This paper reviews research involving crime statistics, offender populations, and longitudinal studies to evaluate the claim that such a link exists. When integrated with other long-term studies on the development of crime, it is concluded that the link between media violence and crime is weak after other environmental factors are taken into account.

Original Publication Citation

Coyne, S. M. (2007). Does media violence cause violent crime? European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research, 13, 205-211.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2007-06-01

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5210

Publisher

European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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