4 possible causes of Aggression
According to wikipedia, Aggression, in its broadest sense, is behavior, or a disposition, that is forceful, hostile or attacking. It may occur either in retaliation or without provocation. It is a trait that is prevalent in every species and unfortunately humans aren’t immune to aggression. Nonetheless, I will look into some of the possible causes of aggression, and it should be at no surprise that technology is playing a role in causing aggression.
1. Society has a number of ways that it can contribute to violence or aggression.
According to ISIL, if someone envies others for being successful, that aggression can be built up and acting on that aggression often becomes violent. Also another contributing factor could be our socialization with others, and how to deal with conflict.
If we feel we need to use aggression or violence to resolve conflict and it is reinforced by our peers, than we become conditioned to believe that is the way to act. One more contributing factor could be from the violence that the media portrays. We are constantly exposed to it and as a result some individuals can become desensitized and act out that aggression. Hostile aggression is done with the intention to inflict harm or pain to another person while instrumental aggression, on the other hand, is done in order to attain a particular goal.
2. As noted above, violence and the media have a huge impact on society, especially our youth.
One study conducted in the United Kingdom found that the more youth reported that the amount of violence in the media was normal and was not a big deal. Consequently, many of us are influenced by the media and it also reinforces Bandura’s study, that we are influenced by what we see. The harsh reality is that we are becoming desensitized to the violence and media. Furthermore, the studies suggest that we do learn from the media.
3. Some factors that may lead to physical or cyber bullying can be that lack of parental supervision.
If parents don’t teach their children that bullying is wrong, their children are more likely to bully others without realizing the consequences. Dr.Beans also explains that being exposed to aggressive behavior in the home can be a contributor as well. Because an individual becomes exposed to aggressive behavior, he or she may believe this is normal behavior. Beans also noted that abusive peers and constant negative feedback are believed to be contributing factors to bullying.
4. Substance abuse of drugs or alcohol can cause aggression.
Also your upbringing can cause aggression if you learned that it is normal to respond to situations with aggression. Wanting to have things your way. When they don’t go the way you plan you can become aggressive. I believe aggression is learned through our life experiences. The only innate aggression I feel humans have is to survive. Outside of survival, I believe that aggression is learned from those around us and our experiences.
Whether it’s society, media, internet, upbringing or substance abuse, aggression almost always has an unfavorable outcome. All the causes I previously mentioned seem to have one common theme, which is that aggression is a learned trait. Those who are prone to being aggressive are likely more easily influenced. The good new is that good parenting can prevent bullying. I also believe that kids who lack empathy are more likely to bully, so parents should take an active role in being a role model. Consequently, in our society, aggression sells just as much as sex does.
Related articles
- Bullying Quiz: How Informed Are You? (education.com)
- Bullying (education.com)
- Adolescent Aggressive Behavior (socyberty.com)
- Nasty people in the media prime the brain for aggression (sciencedaily.com)
- Principals seek a broader definition of bullying (parentcentral.ca)
- The Brain Primed For Aggression By Physical Violence In The Media (medicalnewstoday.com)
I do believe that the media has great influence on someone’s aggression level. It is true that people who watch violent t.v. shows or play violent video games are violent in they everyday life. Children should not be permitted violent tv shows or games.