Are Ads Becoming More Violent

The latest edition of the Journal of Advertising, which is the official journal of the American Academy of Advertising, released a special edition containing nine (9) articles from international researchers on topics ranging from how advertising impacts domestic violence to how violence on TV affects children. While this is not a new topic, these specific research articles seem to demonstrate very clearly that there is a definitive connection between advertising, marketing and violence.  These kinds of links have never really been shown before – certainly not as clinically substantiated as this recent writing.

As one might expect, some of the articles substantiate that parents underestimate the “power” or influence these kinds of ads have on their children.  Depending on your point of view, and of course the true psychological make-up of the viewer – at any age – it is not an improbable leap to believe that these same ads and marketing techniques do influence at least the subconscious of anyone who may be watching.

Obviously there needs to be more studies completed before confirming such a jump.  But as we look at all the various things within our environments that may contribute to the potential risk of violence, it is clear such ads should be considered – especially if the ads are in some way connected to the subject of concern and/or their environment.  In other words, if the ad portrays someone throwing a soda can that hits someone in the head (a current ad being shown today), someone in a work environment who is upset at another person may like to try that act same act.

Now we cannot control what one watches at home or sees in the local pub.  But perhaps it is time to address this issue within specific environments.  It is not uncommon for lunch areas and even some offices to allow television to be viewed during the business day – for what seems like a variety of good reasons.  But if this kind of research continues to be substantiated, it might be wise to really re-think this option.

Even if we don’t want to go there at this time – for certainly telling people what they can or cannot do in an environment is never popular – at least we should be mindful of this information when conducting threat assessments.  It has been this authors experience that one of the largest areas often missed when determining the true level of potential risk of violence of an individual is the environment.   Therefore, it will at least be a currently added question I will be asking of all of my witnesses and subject of concerns to add to the assessment consideration, “Have you viewed any ads recently which contain violent or at least aggressive actions against others – even if it seemed humorous at the time?”

Tags: advertisment, studies, television, violence