Continuous Exposure: Dessensitization and Repeated Exposure to News Images of Trauma and its Effects on Society

Abstract

Mass media’s all-the news, all-the-time approach inundates peoples with images wherever they go. As a result, mass media causes continuous exposure to traumatic images of violent and/or traumatic events. With multiple 24 hour news channels, social media and print media persistently showing repeatedly the same images it is theorized that desensitization and/or compassion fatigue are practically unavoidable. Desensitization is becoming an issue within the media and society especially in regards to photography. My thesis explores several issues: the desensitization effect on society, the effects producing these images has on photographers, and explores the creation of a set of suggestive guidelines for use of these traumatic images by the media. My presentation will highlight key elements from my thesis and will contain research I have gathered from professional photographers, trauma specialists who deal with these issues, editors, and members Of NPPA Ethics Committee. In addition it will include some of the images covered in my thesis.</p