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Disinhibition: Aggression
Disinhibition is a theory which explains how the media can influence aggression. It proposes that our normal restraints are loosened after exposure to media violence (e.g. films, TV, video games). Aggressive behaviour then becomes normalised and these norms govern a person’s behaviour, which is altered from non-acceptance to acceptance. This means that aggression is then seen as a 'normal' response in certain circumstances. One aspect of aggression that is often normalised is an aggressive response as a result of a real or imagined wrongdoing. If the viewed aggression is seen as a revenge response, this is deemed to be 'normal', and thus it is justified.