Fake Punches

We all know that TV viewers are prone to mimic what they see on television. Thanks to countless studies regarding TV content and aggressive behavior, we know that physical aggression on the screen is often mirrored in real life. 

I've never been too concerned about this correlation, since I'm a big fan of sappy romances and happy endings. I don't think I've ever been accused of watching too much bloody or violent content. However, I am a big fan of cheesy shows about justice, like Matlock, Walker Texas Ranger, and MacGyver. These shows aren't morbid--there's rarely any blood or macbre displays of physical beatings. The fake punishes and exaggerated groans and falling down after a "fatal" hit are incredibly entertaining. I never feel gloomy after these shows...I usually feel pretty perky. 

But I have to wonder--is TV violence still impactful even when it's obviously unrealistic? Even though these shows aren't gruesome, can they still have an effect on me? I'm too lazy to do the research, but I'm just curious.