• Question: Do you think early life adversity can result in a desensitisation to violence that in commonly shown in the media (mainly fictional violence that can be shown in graphic TV shows and films)

    Asked by anon-284703 to Lisa on 8 Mar 2021.
    • Photo: Lisa Orchard

      Lisa Orchard answered on 8 Mar 2021:

      Hi Tia. Wow, that is an amazing question! It is not really my area of expertise, but from what I know you are correct that early exposure to violence may lead to an emotional desensitisation when faced with future violence.

      I am really interested in the effects of negative news and violence we are exposed to on social media. One of my doctoral students is currently looking at exposure to violence in social media and whether frequent viewing desensitises our responses to such content. She’s been doing some interesting studies! 🙂

Comments

  • Photo: Dennis

    Dennis commented on :

    Hi Tia. You might find my answer a bit distressing. If you need help, speak to a mental health professional.

    If you have the time, please visit my profile and you will see a picture of where I spent my childhood. I grew up in the slums of Manila, in one of the poorest and dangerous places in the Philippines. So I didn’t see violence just from the media. I saw them in real-life, at a young age. As a kid, I have seen violent crimes so many times (stabbing, gun shots, etc.). My uncle was stabbed when I was 15. Did my early experience desensitise me? To some extent, I would say so. It takes quite a lot to faze me. Most of the time, I’m subdued.