Some individuals and citizens' groups have expressed concern about the level of violence in television programs, particularly in action-adventure series and cartoons. (91) {{U}}They argue that viewers, especially children, may learn to see violence as the only way to resolve conflicts.{{/U}}
(92) {{U}}Early experimental researchers compared the play of children who had seen aggressive behavior on television with the play of a control group of children who had watched nonviolent programs.{{/U}} Concern was intensified by findings that indicated a higher level of aggressive play in the violent-television group. Other researchers attempted to determine whether violent programs simply stimulated higher energy levels in children or actually caused them to learn violent and antisocial behavior. The results of different studies conflicted. (93) {{U}}Some researchers claimed that televised violence actually had a positive cathartic effect, allowing some viewers to release heightening tensions; these findings, however, were not confirmed in further studies.{{/U}} Other scholars pointed out that both prosocial and antisocial behavior can be learned from television.
Social scientists find it especially difficult to assess accurately the subtle, cumulative effects of viewing a broad variety of television programs throughout childhood. Distinguishing the possible effects of television from other influences at home and at school is also difficult. (94) {{U}}Current research suggests that moderately higher levels of antisocial behavior can be traced to television viewing, but further study needs to be done to confirm it.{{/U}}
Because of the long-standing tradition in the U.S. of freedom of speech and of the press, the government would probably not attempt to directly limit or censor the appearance of violence on television. (95) {{U}}Among the networks and producers, pressure from concerned citizens continues to be balanced the increasing popularity of high-energy action-adventure programs.{{/U}}