Screened Shadows: Navigating the Impact of Violent Movies and Crime OTT Series on Mental Well-Being

Abstract

The proliferation of violent content in modern cinema and OTT platforms has sparked global discourse on its societal impact. This opinion examines the complex relationship between exposure to violent media content and mental well-being, with particular focus on children and adolescents. Analysis of diverse cinematic traditions, including Hollywood and Asian cinema, reveals distinct cultural approaches to violence portrayal. Research indicates significant correlations between violent media exposure and concerning outcomes: increased aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, and adoption of violence as a problem-solving mechanism. This opinion particularly emphasizes the role of parental mediation and co-viewing in moderating these effects. Evidence suggests long-term implications, including associations with real-world violence propensity and development of aggressive behavioral patterns. Cognitive impacts extend to decision-making abilities, impulse control, and risk assessment. Of particular significance is the previously underexplored relationship between media violence exposure and anxiety symptoms, affecting cognitive and emotional development in adolescents. This opinion examines how repeated exposure can distort reality perception and impair interpersonal relationships and contextualizes these findings within the ongoing debate between artistic freedom and social responsibility, analyzing varying regulatory approaches across different cultural contexts. This opinion contributes to the development of balanced frameworks that preserve creative expression while addressing public health concerns.

INTRODUCTION

The societal and psychological impact of violence in cinema has emerged as a critical subject of scholarly discourse. The global film industry features a diverse manifestation of violent content, ranging from choreographed action sequences to graphic brutality. While some scholars and critics view these portrayals as escapist entertainment, others express concerns about their potential to desensitize audiences and normalize violent behavior.[1] Contemporary Hollywood frequently incorporates violence across multiple genres, from action-packed blockbusters like “Die Hard” and “Avengers” as well as to nuanced explorations in films like “The Godfather” and “Pulp Fiction.” In parallel, Asian cinema offers its own distinctive approach to violence portrayal. South Korea’s “Oldboy” and Japan’s “Battle Royale” present gritty, societal commentaries, while martial arts films like “Ip Man” emphasize stylized combat while exploring themes of honor and personal growth. These divergent approaches in both Hollywood and Asian cinema reflect deeply embedded cultural nuances and storytelling traditions, contributing to their global appeal.[1]

VIOLENCE/CRIME MOVIES AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Till date, most of the studies that attempted to assess the effect of violence and aggression in movies on mental health, have involved children, adolescents, and young adults, while data on older adults is scant. The impact of violence and aggression on young viewers is particularly concerning, as they demonstrate a tendency to imitate actions and emotions by the virtue of social learning process as theorized by Bandura in 1970s.[2] Prolonged exposure to violent and crime-themed movies or series has been associated with various mental health concerns, particularly affecting children and adolescents. Research has established links between media violence exposure and multiple behavioral outcomes, including imitative violence, expressive violence, the normalization of violence as a problem-solving tool, increased hostility, and tendencies toward inflicting injury on others.[3] The inherent salience of violent content, whether presented in movies or print media, appears to heighten its impact on viewers.

A significant study by Sargent et al.[4] (2002) investigated exposure of adolescents to violent movies across 15 schools in United States revealing that 28% of the adolescent students had witnessed “extremely violent” movies, including those with sexualized content. The study identified that the viewers were predominately older male students from lower socioeconomic background, with below average academic performance. Furthermore, exposure to violent movies correlated strongly with television accessibility in the bedroom and parental viewing permission.[5] This latter finding merits particular attention, as parental permission manifests in various forms: co-viewing (potentially reinforcing modeling), lack of supervision, or explicit approval [Table 1].

Table 1.

Important studies on violent movies and crime OTT series on mental well-being

Study/Author	Year	Study Focus	Key Findings
Bandura (Modelling Theory)[7]	1970s	Effects of modelling violent behaviors in children	Children imitate actions and emotions, especially when exposed to violence through media.
Sargent et al.[4]	2002	Adolescent exposure to violent movies in US schools	28% of adolescent students watched “extremely violent” movies, mostly older males from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and with poorer school performance.
Dillon & Bushman[8]	2017	Exposure to gun violence in movies and children’s behavior	Children exposed to gun violence in movies were more likely to play with toy guns aggressively and pull the trigger more often, indicating potential links to real-life gun violence.
Coker et al.[9]	2015	Media violence and aggressive behavior in 5th graders	Aggressive behavior was associated with media violence across various platforms, with the strongest links found for video games and music, less so for TV/movies.
Anderson et al.[6]	2003	Effects of violent video games on thoughts and behaviors	Playing violent video games was linked to increased aggressive thoughts and behaviors, suggesting short-term impacts of interactive violent media.
Huesmann LR[21] (Longitudinal Study)	2003	TV violence and long-term aggressive behavior	Exposure to television violence during childhood is linked to aggressive behavior in young adulthood, indicating long-lasting effects of media violence.
Mrug et al.[19]	2015	Real-life violence exposure and PTSD symptoms in youth	Youths exposed to real-life violence reported more PTSD symptoms and identified more with violent fictional characters, suggesting heightened vulnerability to media violence.
Alia-Klein et al.[13]	2014	Impact of violent media on brain function	Viewing violent media decreases activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, which is associated with poor decision-making and impulsive behavior.
Madan et al.[18]	2013	Anxiety and autonomic reactivity in adolescents exposed to violent movies	Adolescents exposed to violent media exhibited anxiety symptoms and autonomic changes, with reduced reactivity in those already exposed to real-life violence.
Marzo RR et al.[22]	2019	Effects of violent video games on male teenagers in Muar, Johor	Most male teenagers preferred violent video games and showed lower empathy and altruism, highlighting potential long-term effects on personality traits.

Historical data indicates that by elementary school completion, the average child will have been exposed to more than 8,000 murders and 10,000 violent scenes. This exposure demonstrates a significant correlation with both immediate and long-term aggression and violent behavior.[6] The underlying mechanisms can be attributed to overt and covert learning processes, often occurring without conscious awareness. Social learning theory suggests that observational learning is enhanced when: The model (e.g. a prominent actor) shares similarities with or appears attractive to the viewer and the context appears realistic and the portrayed behavior receives positive reinforcement.[7] This theoretical framework elucidates how children and adolescents adopt violent behaviors observed in movies or OTT series, particularly when the perpetrator is portrayed as a role model. These acquired behavioral patterns often serve as templates for future actions, reinforced either vicariously by observers or through perceived positive outcomes (e.g. conflict resolution through violence or power dynamics in relationships). A notable experimental study by Dillon and Bushman (2017) examined behavioral responses in 140 US children (8-12 years of age) through a randomized design, where one cohort was exposed to movies featuring gun violence. The findings demonstrated that children exposed to such content exhibited significantly higher propensity to handle toy guns for longer durations and demonstrated increased trigger-pulling behavior. These subjects also displayed elevated aggressive tendencies with the toy guns, including directing them toward others. The researchers concluded that such exposure may contribute to increased gun violence in the United States.[8] Further substantiating the learning-by-modeling paradigm, Coker et al.[9] (2015) conducted an investigation into the relationship between aggressive behavior with media violence among fifth grade students across three different media forms viz. television/films, video games and music, while aggressive behavior showed correlation across all platforms, the association was most pronounced in relation to time spent with video games and music content. The phenomenon of mass school shootings has emerged as a critical concern in the United States over the past decade. Research suggests a potential connection between perpetrators’ regular exposure to violent video games and their consumption of violent content across online platforms.[6] Studies have also identified a correlation between exposure to violent media content and diagnoses of Disruptive Behavior Disorder in children, noting increased media consumption patterns among affected individuals.[10] Extended exposure to violent media has been associated with the development of aggressive hypermasculinity, characterized by sexual callousness, dangerous thrill-seeking behaviors, and the internalization of violence as a masculine trait.[11] This exposure additionally correlates with decreased empathy levels[1] and increased susceptibility to risk-taking behaviors, alongside compromised decision-making capabilities in response to violent content.[12] These behavioral alterations may be attributed to decreased orbitofrontal cortex function during violent media exposure, as documented by Alia-Klein et al. (2014).[13] The cumulative evidence raises significant concerns for stakeholders (film-makers, actors, media professionals, policymakers, and parents) regarding the necessity for content regulation across television and OTT platforms to protect developing neural systems. While research has extensively documented aggressive behavioral outcomes, the relationship between film violence and anxiety symptoms remains comparatively understudied. Exposure to dramatized violence can generate perceptions of an increasingly hostile and crime-prone world, potentially inducing anxiety and apprehension.[14] This effect is particularly significant in children and adolescents, whose developing cognitive systems may struggle to process violent content effectively, potentially resulting in lasting impacts through late adolescence and adulthood.

Adolescent anxiety arising from media exposure can precipitate numerous adverse outcomes, including substance use disorders, academic difficulties, and challenges in maintaining healthy relationships.[15] Research has documented persistent fear and anxiety symptoms among college students following exposure to violent film content,[16] findings that align with subsequent studies showing elevated cardiovascular responses and general arousal during violent movie viewing.[17]

The psychological impact of realistic violent content can extend beyond the immediate viewing experience, potentially generalizing to otherwise benign situations that become perceived as threatening. Research by Madan et al.[18] (2013) demonstrated correlations between violent movie exposure and anxiety symptoms, alongside autonomic changes in 209 adolescents, though notably, subjects with prior real-life violence exposure exhibited reduced autonomic reactivity. Complementary research by Mrug et al.[19] (2015) revealed that youth with real-life violence exposure reported elevated PTSD symptoms and stronger identification with fictional characters in violent movie clips, alongside developments in cognitive and emotional empathy.

Chronic exposure to screen violence may contribute to various psychological effects, including anxiety elevation, violence desensitization, and increased stress levels.[17] This impact appears particularly pronounced in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, potentially exacerbating symptoms of depression or PTSD.[20] The progressive erosion of distinctions between fiction and reality can result in distorted perceptions and emotional disturbance. Evidence suggests that individuals with high consumption of violent media may experience interpersonal relationship difficulties and impulse control challenges.[21]

Contemporary research has yielded substantial insights into the effects of violent media exposure on mental health. A foundational study by Anderson et al. (2003) established correlations between violent video game engagement and increased aggressive cognition and behavior, highlighting immediate effects of interactive media.[6] Through comprehensive analysis, Bushman and Huesmann (2006) explored temporal impacts of violent media exposure, illuminating age-specific responses.[21] Ferguson’s 2015 meta-analysis provided a nuanced examination of video game influences on childhood aggression, mental health, prosocial behavior, and academic achievement.[15] The authors’ original research, conducted across 24 secondary schools in Muar, Johor, Malaysia, employed multiple assessment tools including demographic surveys, the Multi-Dimensional Emotional Empathy Scale, Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Self Report Altruism scale. The findings indicated prevalent preferences for violent video games among participants, correlating with reduced empathy and altruistic tendencies.[22]

Literary analysis provides valuable insights into the moral, psychological, and philosophical dimensions of violence, as exemplified in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.” The narrative examines Raskolnikov’s internal turmoil, presenting violence not merely as a desperate act but as an intersection of complex ethical reasoning and socioeconomic circumstances. This framework facilitates a transition from viewing violence as spectacle to understanding its moral implications and existential significance.[23]

Contemporary television series such as “Dexter” and “Hannibal” demonstrate the intricate relationship between violence and psychological disorders, reflecting broader societal fascination with human psychological complexity. These narratives present perpetrators of violence through nuanced psychological characterization that simultaneously evokes empathy and horror, illustrating media’s capacity to both entertain and challenge audiences through sophisticated psychological and ethical exploration.[24,25]

The media’s treatment of real-world issues—including judicial system inadequacies, the mis categorization of homicides, the weaponization of sexual violence in conflict, socioeconomic disparities, human trafficking, and narcotics distribution—necessitates critical examination of potential trivialization or sensationalization of these societal challenges. These elements transcend mere narrative devices, representing genuine societal traumas. Media portrayals can either perpetuate harmful stereotypes or facilitate meaningful social discourse. This dynamic raises questions about how media addresses or overlooks fundamental structural issues, including poverty, political instability, and systemic injustice, that contribute to violent behavior.[24,25]

Critical attention must be directed toward the root causes of violence. Contemporary media often presents violence as isolated incidents or products of individual pathology, overlooking its emergence from systemic issues including inequality, social marginalization, and historical trauma. Understanding these foundational factors enables more comprehensive analysis of media’s role in both reflecting and influencing societal attitudes toward violence, transcending superficial portrayals to reveal complex causative dynamics.[23,24,25]

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPORTANCE

The prevalence of violent content in visual media constitutes a significant public health concern, given its demonstrated impact on mental health, behavioral patterns, and societal safety. Extended exposure can initiate or exacerbate various psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, with particular vulnerability noted in younger populations. Sustained engagement with violent content may compromise the distinction between fictional and actual violence, potentially resulting in emotional dysregulation, desensitization, and the acceptance of aggressive problem-solving approaches. Socioeconomically disadvantaged populations face heightened risk, as their exposure to media violence often compounds existing trauma from real-world violence, exacerbated by limited access to protective resources such as parental guidance or mental health services. Regulatory bodies encounter significant challenges in balancing artistic expression with content control, particularly regarding youth protection. Implementation of public health interventions—including age-appropriate ratings, parental controls, and media literacy initiatives—remains crucial for mitigating potential harm.

CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD

Addressing the adverse effects of media violence requires an integrated approach encompassing censorship standards, public awareness campaigns, media literacy programs, and parental control mechanisms. Regulatory bodies such as India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) implement age-specific ratings based on content evaluation. However, the proliferation of streaming platforms presents novel regulatory challenges. The Information Technology Rules of 2021 in India represent an attempt to regulate digital content, though implementation faces challenges regarding consistency and parental oversight effectiveness. International regulatory frameworks, including the Motion Picture Association’s rating system in the United States and more stringent European content controls, provide diverse approaches to content management.

Enhanced regulatory effectiveness necessitates:

• Strengthened enforcement of age restrictions on digital platforms

• Development of comprehensive media literacy programs

• Implementation of robust parental control systems

• Expansion of content warning protocols

• Enhancement of public awareness initiatives

These measures collectively aim to mitigate the psychological impact of violent media exposure while preserving artistic integrity within appropriate contextual boundaries.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Funding Statement

Nil.