Cultivation theory posits that heavy television viewing shapes viewers' perceptions of the world by presenting an exaggerated view of violence. Specifically, it suggests that heavy viewers come to see the world as a scary place, overestimate crime rates, and feel less safe. The theory also argues that television has become society's dominant storyteller and influences viewers through constant exposure to the same portrayals, especially of marginalized groups as more likely to be victims of violence.

1. CULTIVATION THEORY OF George GERBNER

2. Basic Idea Heavy viewing of television creates an exaggerated belief in a mean and scary world This television effect is enhanced because of the decline of religion as the major storyteller in society Television is the major source of violent images

3. Defining Violence Overt expression of physical force (with or without a weapon, against self or others) to compel involuntary action Incidence of portrayal of violence fairly constant Two-thirds of major characters caught up in violence; heroes as likely to be implicated as villains Less privileged members of society more likely to be victimized: such people are under-represented AND victimized. Marginalized people express the most FEAR of violence

4. Heavy Viewers Are less selective in what they view More likely to expect to be involved in violence More worried about walking alone at night More likely to overestimate the size of law enforcement Are more distrustful of people

5. Mainstreaming Mainstreaming is what happens when heavy viewers develop a commonality of outlook through constant exposure to the same images and labels They tend to be conservative but describe themselves as moderate

6. Resonance Resonance occurs when repeated symbolic portrayals of violence cause viewers to replay real-life experiences with violence over and over. Resonance amplifies cultivation patterns

7. Critique Heavy viewers often more likely to live in dangerous neighborhoods Correlations between heavy TV viewing and belief in a mean and scary world tend to be only small, but they are consistent Could it be that the mean and scary world belief causes heavy television viewing?