EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION OF VIOLENT MEDIA EXPOSURE WITH DARK TRIAD TRAITS: A STUDY ON YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

The normalization of violent content in digital media has heightened apprehension regarding its psychological consequences, especially among young adults. Previous research has shown that viewing violent media content in digital media is related to aggression, and its relationship with socially aversive personality traits has been underrepresented in the existing body of research. The current study aimed to investigate the association between violent media exposure and Dark Triad traits, consisting of Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy, among a sample of 260 young adults employing a cross-sectional correlational research design. Descriptive analysis revealed that the level of exposure of violent media content and expressions of Dark Triad Traits were moderate and significant, respectively. Correlational analysis revealed significant positive correlations between violent media exposure and all three Dark Triad traits, with the relationship between violent media consumption and psychopathy being the strongest and most consistent. The results are in line with the personality-based model of media effects, indicating that viewing violent content has a differential relationship with maladaptive personality traits, especially those characterized by emotional callousness and impulsiveness.