Theories

Copy Cat theory

To act or imitate something that has been seen.

An example is that of the fictional footage appears in an upcoming episode of Law and Order: UK and bears a similarity to the horrific killing of James at the hands of ten-year-old boys Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. The programme features CCTV footage of two girls aged 13 and ten leading a boy by the hand, before strangling him to death and leaving their initials on his chest

Desensitisation theory

This theory emphasis that people are exposed to so much violence in the media, violence no longer makes a strong emotional impact upon them. For example, a lot of people would agree that by watching lots of violent movies, a viewer no longer gets upset while watching violent movies.

An example could be that someone could see something in Saw and it may not have any impact on them.

Cultivation theory

Cultivation Theory was developed by George Gerbner and Larry Gross from the University of Pennsylvania. It was to see what effect Television had on Americans from the 1950s to 70s. There argument was that television has a long-term effect which can either be small, gradual or indirect but cumulative and significant.

An Example could of cultivation theory is that watching Superman will lead children to attempt to fly by jumping out the window.