Fright Responses to Media

Fear is a common reaction to television and movies. Research shows that fright reactions to media can often be intense and long-lasting, involving sleep problems, emotional disturbances, and long-term changes in attitudes and behavior. These effects are explained through processes of conditioning, stimulus generalization, alterations in risk perception, evolutionary considerations, and the neurophysiology of fear memories. Although there is a great deal of individual variability, age and level of cognitive development are important determinants of what is frightening and which techniques are best for alleviating fears. Gender differences account for some variability as well. Keywords: anxiety; children; entertainment; fear; horror; media psychology; media and violence; news; nightmares; parental guidance