Anger and Exposure to Extremist Propaganda as a Predictor of Aggression

• In Event: The Role of Anger, Self-Control, and Deindividuation on Co-Offending

Abstract

Social science researchers have investigated the link between exposure to violence media and aggression. In many real-world cases of violence, people have also pointed to the role of violent media as a potential causal factor (e.g., Anderson & Dill, 2000). While the effect of violent video games is (logically) dependent upon the individuals’ trait level of violence, meta-analytic reviews have generally supported that exposure to video games does increase aggressive behavior in both children and young adults. This research extends this discussion by empirically analyzing the link between exposures to terrorist propaganda on levels of aggression. In addition, we also investigate the role of personality and trait aggression on this relationship. The role of terrorist-generated media and recruitment and radicalization are often highlighted there has been no systematic investigation of the role that exposure to terrorist media may play in aggressive cognitions (viewed here as a important first step before exploring their role in aggressive behavior). Investigating if the exposure to terrorist media follows the same pattern as other violent media is especially important given the widespread availability of such material on the internet and the increasing rate with which lone individuals are launching terrorist attacks in the United States.

Authors

• Neil D. Shortland, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• SuYoong Goh, University of Massachusetts Lowell