Q: Why is violence on the increase?
Newspapers and television often bring news of violence and the bizarre methods that individuals resort to achieve their aims. The sociologist's list of causes of violence in the world today is exhaustive: revenge, poverty, political ideologies, religious conflicts, drug addition and drug trafficking and war. With so many unresolved issues, it is not unnatural that violence has increased.
A specific reason for an increase in violence is that more and more people have become desensitized to death or killing. When death and violence surrounds someone, the value of human life can diminish and the horror of violent of death can decrease. Media has great influence over teenagers today, especially television. Teenagers spend much time watching drama series and movie which may contain several violent scenes. There is also a surge in number of teenagers playing computer games that involve violence. Hence, an increase in violence may be due to the fact that many of us have become desensitized to violent acts, feeling that there is nothing wrong with violence.
Violence also increases when we become more detached from each other and from common unifying beliefs. Without being connected to others, we care less for their welfare. When we share common bonds of belief and value with others, we are less likely to be aggressive or violent to others in our community. When individuals become isolated, maginalised, and without connection to those around them, violence increases.
A rise in number of people abusing drugs and alcohol is another possible reason. A huge percentage of impulsive violence takes place under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. First- time or inexperience drinkers are most likely yo face this problem.
