TV shows evoking emotion, is there long term impact?

[November]

The popularity of reaction videos prompted me to think more about emotional reactions to tv series. Tv has only been a household item since around the 50's and I have not come across long term data on the emotional impact this has on humans who are exposed to it daily throughout their lives VS those that dont. I have a few questions for discussion. I am interested in understanding if triggering emotional reactions without physical threat can impact long term well being. Has anyone read any studies or articles that address this that they could share?

The most popular Modern shows often have some form of shock value to them. For myself, I think I have reached my limit on visual rape scenes and graphic violence. I am one that needs to prepare myself to watch a show like Game of Thrones. I would not even attempt a show like '13 reasons Why' for the protection of my own brain. Are there others in the world who are aware of their limits on viewing choices? Do others feel pressured to watch scenes they are not comfortable with to appease their peers? (perhaps even recording their reactions for the masses). When it comes to discussion forums and written reaction, these strike me as different, as when I personally write reactions, I am not having a huge visible physical stress reaction, but I do let my brain go into OMG TEENAGE/RANT MODE. Are we, as an online society promoting excessive emotional reactions to visual (non threatening) stimuli, but simultaneously expecting people not to be so sensitive about what is socially acceptable tv? Is there a limit to how much of this media should be consumed? Do others moderate themselves or is this an unintentional argument for censorship? I know most shows are rated for specific audiences, but there appears to be less content with the ability to tell a good story without the need for excessive graphic sex or violence. Personally I do not mind if an action is implied - but I do not need to see it to follow the storyline.

I feel like we have already seen issues with social media - a more intense stream of information, with some being advertising, some being hideous news stories and some being just bad news in general with a sprinkle of happy life moments. I am not sure if the "mental health crisis" is a prevalent in other countries as it is in Australia. I am aware the cultural use of social media is slightly different in Australia than other places.

I remember when Marti Noxon's "To the Bone" was released and there was mass online outrage that it was teaching girls to be anorexic and promoting eating disorders. It amazes me that when that same argument is used for guns or violence in tv, games and news media - its suddenly not the same thing - how so?


I surely can't be the only one questioning if excessive consumption of these shock shows, that get the audience so emotionally invested and cause a physical reaction - like crying, screaming, shock, dreams/nightmares or fright (without a "real"reason) are cause for concern. Why do humans want to see other humans in distress while watching a show that purposely distresses them to the point of physiological reaction?

 

[Skanky Vamp]

I don't know about long term effect of tv show evoking emotion, but there have been numerous studies conducted that indicate binge-watching TV shows can negatively affect your mental health, in some cases leading participants to flat-out depressive states.

 

[Bluebird]

I'd say binge watching shows is more of a thing now, though I used to record shows on LP VHS so I could binge watch back then too. Personally, I just prefer to be in control of how I watch something. Though there was something to be said for the excitement of a weekly show, which I kind of get nowadays with Game of Thrones.

I have seen a few reaction videos, but I'm really not online enough to notice trends, and I don't have traditional TV to watch either. I'm not paying a licence to the EBC, for what? I ain't paying to watch a foreign country's crap TV. Take me to court!

 

[The Bronze]

Someone must have done research I would imagine. Most things have an impact on us one way or another but I'd be surprised if this was anything major or particularly new. Humans have been telling stories and watching theater about shocking things long before TV came along.

Anyone excessively watching will almost certainly be doing themselves some harm. If nothing else through lack of fresh air and exercise.

I remember when Marti Noxon's "To the Bone" was released and there was mass online outrage that it was teaching girls to be anorexic and promoting eating disorders. It amazes me that when that same argument is used for guns or violence in tv, games and news media - its suddenly not the same thing - how so?

There's always plenty of outrage about guns and violence in the media. It's mostly from people who don't know anything about it but feel the need to weigh in anyway and try to censor things other people enjoy. Like after a shooting when a band will get blamed for being too angry or whatever. Never mind the other thousands of fans who don't go around shooting people.

 

[MarieVampSlayer]

@HoppyHippy

Why do humans want to see other humans in distress while watching a show that purposely distresses them to the point of physiological reaction?

I think that we as humans are drawn to this emotional impact without the stimuli like you mentionned because we are lacking it in our life. Humans have found ways (and still are working to find more) to almost annihilate our external emotional impact as to reduce our exposure to things like murder and others forms of violence which were regularly experienced in the past centuries. I am not saying that it would be better if things were like the medival times but we do as humans seek these kind of emotions to differents degrees because as you said not everyone can tolerate the same violence. But our calm ``regular occidental life'' often lack passion and intensity which a lot of people find in intenses tv shows like Game of thrones. This might be depressing, but it is a safe way to experience all the intense sometimes negative experience without it really affecting our lives. I think humans have never been so drawn to theses fakes emotions before because our lives have never been so deprived of them before. Of course there is a lot of exceptions and I am only referencing priviledge people who live a life without much drama or life threatning problems. To answer your others questions:

Has anyone read any studies or articles that address this that they could share? No but I would love to and think it is something someone should invest time in.

Are there others in the world who are aware of their limits on viewing choices? Do others feel pressured to watch scenes they are not comfortable with to appease their peers? I don't really have a limit when it comes to my viewing choices but I am not easily shocked by anything. I can watch very violent shows as long as it makes sense in the story and is not all about that (like you said makes sense with the storyline). I've never felt pressured into watching anything except maybe horror movies in my teens which I use to hate but now love!

Are we, as an online society promoting excessive emotional reactions to visual (non threatening) stimuli, but simultaneously expecting people not to be so sensitive about what is socially acceptable tv? I'm in the online society a lot but I do think people in general tend to pressure people into watching things that others may not like. I have heard a lot of people telling others that they had to watch a shows even thought the other expressed disconfort about it for different reasons. I see it a lot with very violent show like Game of Thrones or the Walking dead. I believe that if you think the shows is too much for you, it probably is and that's ok!

Is there a limit to how much of this media should be consumed? Yes!!!! I believe there is way too much shows in general and they always seem to compete in being the most scandalous and outrageous one. They marketed it as being real and uncensored but really they just want to shock people the most. And this is coming from someone who loves theses kind of shows! I just don't want all my medias to be shocking just because it's a trend.

Do others moderate themselves or is this an unintentional argument for censorship? I really don't know. Censorship is an insidious problem but the opposite is not better. We need a balance in everything.


I remember when Marti Noxon's "To the Bone" was released and there was mass online outrage that it was teaching girls to be anorexic and promoting eating disorders. It amazes me that when that same argument is used for guns or violence in tv, games and news media - its suddenly not the same thing - how so? Haha the fun double standard. I think with guns it's always an issue in America and some people are so scared that they are going to take them away from them that they would prefer for shows to promote them than not. There is a lack of education and control of gun violence in America and we can see it in the news every week or so. But in the end it is easier to attack Noxon's movie because there is no pro-anorexia group that will complain about the outrage in public!

 

[MarieVampSlayer]

I don't know about long term effect of tv show evoking emotion, but there have been numerous studies conducted that indicate binge-watching TV shows can negatively affect your mental health, in some cases leading participants to flat-out depressive states.

That makes sense, you often feel empty and find your life boring after binge-watching an intense tv show.

 

[DeadlyDuo]

TV having an emotional impact on the audience can have a positive effect. For example:

Blue Planet 2 has been a real game changer and has got people thinking about the effect of plastic on the environment and of ways to reduce it.

Coronation Street is currently doing a male rape storyline which has led to a 200% increase in call to a charity hotline that deals with male rape.

EastEnders are currently running a knife crime storyline showing the after-effects of a stabbing, rather than focussing on the event itself, to highlight the implications and consequences that knife crime has on people's lives,

 

[Ethan Reigns]

One program that I think single-handedly reduced crime was CSI. The fact that someone could solve a crime from minute particles and scientific principles put the fear into a lot of would-be criminals.

 

[Anyanka Bunny Slayer]

I avoid shows that feature people being hurt and all that. It DOES stay with me, and it's really distressing. Horror films with blood and gore I also stay away from.

 

[thrasherpix]

I'm running out of time so I'll only be replying to the OP, and read the other replies later.


My reaction to "shock value" is complex, but I definitely have moods where it is more acceptable than other times. If warned ahead of time I can steel myself for them (and I'll know if I'm ready for it or not), but I won't do it just because it's popular. I will never watch 13 Reasons Why for various reasons (the shock value of it is actually a lesser reason), though I MIGHT watch Game of Thrones one day as what I've heard about it sounds interesting (though I tried the first novel back before it was a show, btw, but gave up on it, which is rare for me), but it would likely be binge watching when I'm steeled for it and in the mood.

Graphic violence and tragedy is what gets to me--especially if it feels it's just added for shock factor (unless they do it in an obviously humorous way of being over the top), and there are times I feel that some people out there are so emotionally numb that they need it over the top to feel anything at all, and don't realize how overwhelming it can be to others less numb who see it unprepared.

(I get confused by it, because in some ways I feel society is hypersensitive that makes me wonder if I've been made cold by my personal history and upbringing, and yet at other times they eagerly embrace over the top tragedies with wild abandon that seems all too blasé to them, yet are too much for me to casually watch.)

I'm neutral about the gratuitous sex and fan service, though it can annoy me (but also unintentionally amuse me). I usually just overlook it as I do a lot of "rule of cool" stuff, and same for the seemingly obligatory shipping that goes on.

Heck, I got through High School of the Dead (which also had some gory and gut-wrenching tragic scenes) and mostly enjoyed it, though I rolled my eyes at a lot of the absurd fan servicing. Ironically, the episode that was almost pure fan service bothered me the least because at least it gave insight into the characters as they talked as well as showing more of what was going on in the world, but where one character later engaged several zombies with a katana while she was almost completely naked made me mad as it's so stupid...as the character was a kendo champion of some kind she well knew how to use armor, and was smart enough to wrap herself up to help guard against zombie bites, and as I actually cared a lot about that character I was furious with her for being so stupid, though I realized it was just more fan service for the audience. Basically, as long as it doesn't disrupt the story or violate the characters too bad then I mostly shrug it off.

Not too long ago I saw a Nostalgia Critic video on good vs bad movies, and how they all will fall apart if you scrutinize them, but the good movies won't get scrutinized for a long while because the story is so compelling. Maybe it's similar with the sex and violence, at least for me. If the story is good enough then it's easier to overlook the parts that would otherwise bother me...but if I feel I'm being jerked around, that is they use sex and violence and tragedy to the point it IS the point rather than just part of the story, then it won't usually work for me.

That said, I gave up pretty fast on the Sopranos, seeing only the first 4 eps. I recognized it as a brilliant show and it sucked me in, but it also infuriated me with some of the main characters. I don't look down on anyone for loving that show and I recognize it as a very good one (based on what I saw and what I heard of it), but it was not for me. In that case the story wasn't enough to get me to overlook the other aspects.



That aside, it does gobsmack me at times that people will overlook excessive violence, even when it's graphic or closer to realistic than most, but freak out over an exposed breast or smoking a joint. To me, that DOES say bad things about our civilization. And it feels surreal as our NRA (pro-gun lobby that have become reckless in their pro-gun campaigns and tend to champion a "good guy with a gun" saving the day) and Hollywood execs tearing each other down when a lot of what comes out of Hollywood strikes me as paid advertisement for "a good guy with a gun saving the day." (Btw, the US does have states with much tighter laws--and they're sometimes enforced with undercover cops helping--on what sex toys you can buy and own than on guns! At least this seems to be an aberration, unlike the TV/movie thing.)



Finally, you'd probably love this book:

The Plug-In Drug by Marie Winn

It's been a long while since I read this (and note that I believe there was a rewrite of it later that included the internet that I did not read--but I'm not even sure if I'm recalling that right), and I recall I didn't agree with all her conclusions, but I still found it well worth the read with many interesting observations and studies (and fully respect her opinion with the mind that she has studied it far more than I have). I recall that it was easy for me to read through, so I believe that means it was plainly written rather than filled with a bunch of academic gobbledygook to make her ideas seem more impressive than they actually are.

 

[November]

Great replies from all of you! Thank you 🙂

I don't know about long term effect of tv show evoking emotion, but there have been numerous studies conducted that indicate binge-watching TV shows can negatively affect your mental health, in some cases leading participants to flat-out depressive states.

I didnt think of Binge watching VS commercial TV consumption and that is a good point. I noticed within myself that I need to break up some bingeable shows with a dose of masterchef, music or nailed it. Commercial/free to air TV already supplied advertising breaks which encourage me to get up and leave the room until the program returns.

I don't have traditional TV to watch either. I'm not paying a licence to the EBC, for what? I ain't paying to watch a foreign country's crap TV. Take me to court!

Yeah, I dont have a traditional tv connection either. Now all my tv is streamed online (netflix included in the rent). But in the last week or so I have just had the free to air channel 10 stream on. Some of the political programming and newsmedia on that channel is starting to really grate me - and I find this the same for the radio station I listen to as well (which is the other extreme). I will more often turn off the radio and sing OMWF in the car than listen to 20 year olds telling me how to vote and live to eastern states higher education standards.

Country/local content is something else I would like to delve more into. We have very few quality aussie shows getting enough love in Australia. I hate seeing so much american drama flooding our brains because the way of life is SO different to here. Upper Middle Bogan is one of the most realistic portrayals of suburban life I have seen on aussie tv. I prefer to consume sci fi because it is not portraying a realistic world at all. There is more of a distance to it for acts of violence too.

Humans have been telling stories and watching theater about shocking things long before TV came along.

Absolutely 😀 and I hope the telling of stories never changes. The part that I wonder about is the rate of which we are consuming these stories and the intensity of events per story.

Anyone excessively watching will almost certainly be doing themselves some harm. If nothing else through lack of fresh air and exercise.

I completely agree. But even after a full day or working outdoors - I could still fit in 6 hours of tv time after dark and before bed. I have heavily reduced this time but I am still usually in front of the computer or reading or writing at night. When I binge watch shows, I'd usually leave the tv running as I have got up to cook and clean or tend to the garden and animals. This is why I can rewatch shows cos I usually miss chunks of it. I assumed that was how binging was done but lately realise that some people literally sit down in one spot, set with snacks and consume the lot in one go. I could not physically do that because I can barely sit down for 45 mins let alone 4 seasons of one topic haha. Is the seated consumption encouraged by filming reaction videos?

Never mind the other thousands of fans who don't go around shooting people.

Should we, on a whole ,be protecting the people vulnerable to reactions to this content or should they be blamed for not taking control of their own limits? Are these limits pushed by peer pressure in the band community as they are in fan community?

I think humans have never been so drawn to theses fakes emotions before because our lives have never been so deprived of them before. Of course there is a lot of exceptions and I am only referencing priviledge people who live a life without much drama or life threatning problems.

That is a good point. I could argue that in medieval times, not all were on the battlefields or exposed to mass death, many people also lived sheltered lives in villages/farms or within safe families. Now those safer areas are just as exposed to the worst of the world as those desensitised at front line of war, poverty and disease. Is it a sign of the times that the majority may just be a little bit too rich and comfortable, that they demand a program to provoke a orchestrated stress reaction?

I know for myself that I am far more attracted to visit facebook if I am bed bound, too hot or cold or feeling trapped. I know that I will get an emotional thrill from it (but more often than not lately, I get angry rather than enjoyment) - I am not sure how many youths are as aware of how media consumption can influence mood. I remember life before computers and smartphones and tv stations that run 24/7. I know my current reactions to fb are extreme - and my guess is because I spent most of 2015/6 logged into it reading abuse while too sick to leave the loo. Is there a call for production of these shows, or are the shows offered with an understanding of how they could influence thoughts or even shape minds?

Is there a limit to how much of this media should be consumed? Yes!!!! I believe there is way too much shows in general and they always seem to compete in being the most scandalous and outrageous one.

I agree with that. Netflix has released a phenomenal amount of mediocre content in the last couple years. Perhaps that is why I feel fandom can be beneficial, if we keep out standards and dont promote shit or excessive shock scenes.

EastEnders are currently running a knife crime storyline showing the after-effects of a stabbing, rather than focussing on the event itself, to highlight the implications and consequences that knife crime has on people's lives,

That sounds really great and you bring up another point - the media can be beneficial too. We do not see enough of the grieving process after deaths on tv.

The War On Waste series was extremely successful here and made many people start to think about their own plastic consumption. I hated the plastic ocean doco because I did not need to see so much footage of animals in distress - I myself have already seen that in volunteer and animal work, biology camps and on beach trips. The message is important - but humans learn better by doing rather than viewing. I am starting to get jack of the graphic disease photos on cigarette packets and I dont even smoke cigarettes. When I did, I kept them in a tin covered in stickers of unicorns lol. I cant go the pub without being exposed to images of 4 or 5 different ways to die if I sit near a smoker...

(I get confused by it, because in some ways I feel society is hypersensitive that makes me wonder if I've been made cold by my personal history and upbringing, and yet at other times they eagerly embrace over the top tragedies with wild abandon that seems all too blasé to them, yet are too much for me to casually watch.)

Hashtag ME and the reason for this thread. I am always trying to understand more and usually will give over on my own opinion if it is incorrect and someone can argue their case in a way I can understand. On that personal note - when someone says "Oh it must be so horrible to not have hot water/miss a meal" or something trivial along those lines, I shrug and think "nah not really", while they will be the ones to share live beheading videos and puppy torture on facebook.

I think I WOULD love the book you linked and may go see if the library will order it for me 😛 (which reminds me - I have a bag full of garden books I can consume instead of turning to netflix this arvo - I cannot believe how fast the day goes when I turn the laptop on!)

I am pleasantly surprised that many of the answers are constructive and along with my own ideas on this - maybe I am not as brain dead as I think.

 

[Taake]

You may also be interested in Neil Postman's "Amusing ourselves to Death", it's from 1985 but it's still interesting. Just to give you an idea of what it's about:

The essential premise of the book, which Postman extends to the rest of his argument(s), is that "form excludes the content" that is, a particular medium can only sustain a particular level of ideas. Thus rational argument, integral to print typography, is militated against by the medium of television for this reason. Owing to this shortcoming, politics and religion are diluted, and "news of the day" becomes a packaged commodity. Television de-emphasises the quality of information in favour of satisfying the far-reaching needs of entertainment, by which information is encumbered and to which it is subordinate.

Postman asserts the presentation of television news is a form of entertainment programming; arguing that the inclusion of theme music, the interruption of commercials, and "talking hairdos" bear witness that televised news cannot readily be taken seriously. Postman further examines the differences between written speech, which he argues reached its prime in the early to mid-nineteenth century, and the forms of televisual communication, which rely mostly on visual images to "sell" Lifestyles. (from wikipedia)

Basically, even news are entertainment and we're fed it at ever increasing rates and with added shock value which definitely has long term impact.

Do others moderate themselves or is this an unintentional argument for censorship?

I mostly moderate how much I consume, because if I watch a lot of TV or spend too much time in front of the computer I get depressive episodes. (I read a lot more now than I used to and for me that doesn't seem to have the same effect as watching a lot of TV does, even when the books are violent… though I do try to vary what I read.)

I surely can't be the only one questioning if excessive consumption of these shock shows, that get the audience so emotionally invested and cause a physical reaction - like crying, screaming, shock, dreams/nightmares or fright (without a "real"reason) are cause for concern. Why do humans want to see other humans in distress while watching a show that purposely distresses them to the point of physiological reaction?

It's a form of catharsis that I think is healthy to a small degree, but which, in excess, probably isn't good. People have always enjoyed a certain amount of vicarious distress in entertainment, but when people obsessively binge show after show (I have friends who seem to always need a new show to binge) I wonder if it's just a way to fill a hole. It makes me think of Viktor Frankl's term "noogenic neurosis" which means a lack of existential significance / existential frustration, and that binge-watching is just one long distraction from not having or finding a real meaning in life. Maybe binge-watchers will disagree with me, it might just be that depending on our ability to handle different sensory input we vary in how much TV, or alternate forms of media, we can stand for long periods of time.