Netflix Era: Violence as Effect on Youth

Abstract

The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix has revolutionized the way youth consume media. With thousands of movies and TV shows at their fingertips, young viewers have unprecedented access to programming that contains explicit violence. The potential impact of this exposure is a growing concern for parents, educators, and researchers alike. This research paper aims to explore the relationship between violence in media, specifically in Netflix programming, and its effect on youth. Drawing on existing literature and primary data collected through surveys and interviews, the paper investigates the potential effects of violent media on young viewers. The literature review examines various theories and empirical studies that have explored the impact of media violence on youth, including desensitization, aggressive behavior, and desensitization to real-life violence. The primary data collected includes surveys and interviews with young people who are regular viewers of Netflix programming that contains violence.

The findings of the study suggest a correlation between exposure to violent media and negative outcomes for youth, including increased aggression, desensitization to violence, and a reduced ability to empathize with victims of violence. However, the study also finds that not all youth are affected equally by exposure to violent media and that individual differences and contextual factors can moderate the effects of violent media. The implications of these findings are discussed, including the importance of responsible media consumption, parental monitoring, and potential regulatory measures. The paper concludes by suggesting avenues for future research in this area and highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and media producers to promote healthier media consumption habits for young people.