It’s accurate to assert that human beings have been captivated by the concept of death since the dawn of their very consciousness and the realization of their own mortality. My fascination with the macabre began a considerable while back, during my pubescent and innocent childhood.
At that time, my sparkling tiny eyes were profoundly enamoured with whatever type of obscenity I could possibly lay them upon, being it a scary movie, a war documentary, non-sensically violent videogames (likely culprits of having altogether ruined my perception of art irreversibly) and of course, horror in general, which has always marked my life in all its facets.
Being it eerie and gloomy atmospheres, scenes of gore, encounters with supernatural beings, demonic possessions, brutal serial killers or simply pure senseless acts of unjustified violence, I found myself drawn to it all. And you know what? I’m quite certain I wasn’t the only young kid who felt this way.
Curiosity in this particular regard is often rewarded by either terror and trauma, or by sheer undeniable fascination. Some of us were well aware of this. The thrills and spine-tingling moments were inevitably accompanied by a level of discomfort and fear that could be quite challenging to endure, especially for a child.
It’s difficult to remain completely unfazed by such stimuli. After all, we’re not psychopaths. Violence is frequently misunderstood by the general public and regarded as a ”risky” element to incorporate into any form of media, but I can understand why.
Media is a hugely powerful means of communication other than a double-edged sword. As human beings, we’re easily influenced by our environment, by the things we consume, by the people we interact with. Just imagine how profoundly can things like propaganda and subliminal messages disrupt our overall perception of reality.
Research has shown that over-exposure to violent contents can desensitize some individuals, decreasing their sensitivity and empathy towards others and cause increased aggressive behaviors, particularly in children and teenagers, but there is still insufficient scientific evidence to support a causal link between violent media and violent behavior.
What is safe to say is that individuals with high levels of impulsivity, heightened emotional reactions, and a sense of frustration with that content are definitely more prone to experience a stronger anger response when exposed to media.
For a considerable period, the portrayal of violence has been a matter of concern for the general public, and a growing trend has emerged where more and more people are becoming inclined to criticize and condemn violent media content.
We may argue that engaging with violent media can provide an escape to the stress of daily life and serve as a means of catharsis. Through immersing themselves in violent scenarios in a controlled and fictional context, individuals may release pent-up emotions and potentially reduce real-world aggression. Violence can be significant as a mode of artistic expression, serving as a potent tool to delve into facets of our human/societal condition and draw valuable educational insights.
Furthermore, it’s vital to take into account the potential effects on vulnerable audiences, especially children, and to recognize the necessity for suitable content warnings.