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Rise in talk about killing in films raises health concerns, researchers say

Study finds small but significant increase in characters talking about murder or killing over past 50 years

The team suggested the rise may indicate an increase in violent behaviour in movies, and called for a promotion of “mindful consumption and media literacy” to protect vulnerable groups, especially children. The team found that while the percentage of such murderous verbs within movies fluctuated over time, their use generally increased over the decades – a trend that held for both male and female characters. Bushman said the trend highlighted in the study was troubling, adding that exposure to violent media could have a cumulative effect and shape people’s view of the world.

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