The Research I gathered, all show examples of tests done on different people, typically young adults or children. The article Video Games Desensitize to Real World show Scientists focusing on Video Games and it's affect on young adults. What they already know is 'Video-games can alter physiological responses typically aroused by real violence' and 'increases aggressive thoughts, angry feelings, physiological arousal and aggressive behaviours, decreasing helpful behaviours'. They also know 85% of video games were violent, engaging the players in serious violent actions. First they asked the individuals what were the 4 most violent vid. games and what were the 4 non-violent vid. games. This was to give the Scientists an idea of what the individuals perceived as violent and non-violent. They then tested the individuals through heart rate and skin response measurements, while they played the vid. games. In conclusion those who were 'new' to vid. games, showed an increase in heart rate and skin response whereas those who already played vid. games showed no change in heart rate and skin response. Proving the Scientist theory that these games are always improving in a way that is fun and individuals eventually become physiologically 'numb' to the violence. Although some may disagree that engaging in these violent games could actually be beneficial.
This also applies to other sources in the media, with the same affect on individuals. I have come up with my own conclusion based on research. For desensitisation to occur, there is engagement and interaction between the viewer and the source. It only takes three senses to engage and interact: sight, sound and touch.
Please take the time to watch the video below. Caution, intense amount of violence.
The following article Can Media Violence Desensitize You? has some interesting statistics and examples that support my stance on the issue. The article Desensitize due to Media also has interesting statistics focusing more on children.
