Impact of Television News Violence: A Critical Analysis of Sensitization Effects on Mental Well-being of University Students

Author(s) : Saima Iqbal 1 , Muhammad Kamran 2 , Zartashia Kynat Javaid 3

Abstract:

Cultivation theory posits that heavy exposure to violent media content can lead to increased aggressive behavior, as well as heightened anxiety and fear regarding personal safety, particularly among young people. This study investigates these effects by focusing on the impact of violent TV news on sensitization, insecurity, mistrust, and fear among Pakistani youth. Adopting a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional research design, data was collected from 518 students (both male and female) across 12 public sector universities in Pakistan. The findings support the tenets of Cultivation Theory, showing that exposure to violent TV news sensitizes youth and cultivates a perception of an unsafe world. Additionally, the study identifies a significant rise in anxiety, depression, fear, mistrust, and insecurity among university students, with female participants exhibiting greater sensitivity to these effects than their male counterparts. These results underscore the critical need for awareness and intervention strategies to mitigate the negative psychological impacts of violent media content on young individuals.

Keywords: Television, News, Sensitization, Fear, Anxiety, Mistrust, Advocacy against violence, Well-being