*Causal connection between viewing violent content and aggressive behaviour, say experts
* [image: 2011052869930801.jpg] *REGULATE CONTENT:Shekhar Seshadri: TV's noise and din badger viewers' sensibilities.* * * *28 May 2011* * BANGALORE*: When a student of engineering is shown committing suicide in the blockbuster 3 Idiots, what was the message the audience took back home? Though the filmmakers' intention was probably to portray that suicide was not the answer, there may well have been a section who perceived it to be the solution to all problems. *Definite impact* In this light, is media bad for mental health? It certainly has a definite impact on people, as was derived from a talk on the same topic by Shekhar Seshadri, professor of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences . He was speaking at the fourth talk in the Canvas Askew Series organised by the Bangalore International Centre, in association with The Hindu and the Karnataka branch of the Indian Psychiatric Society, here Friday. *Copycat suicides* The portrayal of suicide could act as a plug for it, said Dr. Seshadri, not to forget the copycat suicides it could trigger, as was seen when Hollywood goddess Marilyn Monroe took her life. “Newspaper cuttings of reported suicides have been found near those who take their own lives,” he said. *‘Breaking news'* Agreeing with columnist and writer Subir K. Roy, who, while moderating the discussion, commented that technology had pervaded the space for solitude and reflection, Dr. Seshadri said: “The breaking news scenario's' noise and din harangued the audience's sensibility. ‘Entertainment at any cost' was also an issue of concern which needs to be looked into, as there is no rigorous protocol to regulate TV content, he said, referring to reality shows such as Pati, Patni Aur Woh. On excessive networking on social media, he said psychology circles were seriously considering including Internet addiction as a disorder. “Risky behaviour is being associated with social networking. Multiple personalities (on and offline) and online bullying are concerns.” Research had recorded an increase in the amount of violence in media, he said, and added there was a causal connection between viewing violent content and aggressive behaviour. Regulation is required, and the best form is parental discretion. “Fight media with media,” he concluded. http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/28/stories/2011052869930800.htm -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
