Images of Injury: Graphic News Visuals’ Effects on Attitudes Toward the Use of Unmanned Drones

• In Event: The Study of Media Violence and Graphic Content (TOP PAPER ENTRY)

Abstract

In this study, sanitized coverage of the United States' use of military drone strikes in foreign countries is pitted against more graphic news images in an experimental setting to determine effects on attitudes toward the use of U.S. military drones. Additionally, multiple news exposures are tested to determine whether individuals can become emotionally inured to war coverage, even when images are more graphic. Key results find those who viewed graphic news visuals did not show evidence of desensitization after repeated viewing, and expressed higher levels of concern regarding drone use, but not reduced support for U.S. drone policy.

Authors

• Erica L. Scharrer, U of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Greg Russell Blackburn, U of Massachusetts