Ann Arbor Times

Gun violence in the United States resulted in 46,728 deaths last year, marking the third-highest number of firearm-related fatalities recorded. This includes a record 27,300 suicides by gun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a significant increase over the past decade, prompting an examination of factors such as media influence.

Studies indicate that media portrayal of gun violence may contribute to a contagion effect, potentially inspiring further violent acts. Researchers Paul Boxer and Eric Dubow from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research express concerns about media depictions leading to imitation. They collaborated on the Handbook of Gun Violence.

Dubow stated, "There is significant concern that gun violence in the media leads to a general contagion effect and a more specific copycat effect." He noted that highly publicized shootings could inspire further incidents.

The World Health Organization issued guidelines for reporting suicides, advising against sensational language and detailed descriptions. Similar recommendations exist for mass shooting coverage to prevent copycat events.

Boxer explained differences in research findings: "Some studies show that news reports of mass shootings lead to more shootings, while others do not, due to differences in statistical methods used by researchers."

Boxer also highlighted disparities in media coverage between mass and single-victim shootings. Extensive coverage provides opportunities for viewers to identify with shooters or understand their actions.

He added that media portrayals might legitimize aggression as problem-solving strategies: "This conveys that aggression and violence are legitimate and acceptable strategies for solving problems."

Boxer emphasized gaps in understanding social media's impact on viewers: "We know very little about how the flood of real violence visible through social media platforms impacts viewers."

Research indicates childhood exposure to violent video games correlates with later weapon use. Boxer noted: "Data collected from children who were then followed into adolescence...show that kids who reported frequently playing violent video games were much more likely 10 years later to carry a gun."