, The media influences how viewers think. Cultivation theory suggests that after viewing television with large amounts of violence, people will overestimate the chance that that violence will be reciprocated onto themselves.
People often take what is shown in the media, and apply it to their current reality. When images of violence are consistently shown, a person may then feel that this is more likely to happen to them. Despite the fact that this person lives in a neighborhood which is relatively free of violent crime, the media has taught them to expect that danger is lurking around every corner; this causes them to be far more concerned than their situation calls for. In essence, media has constructed their world view and their fears. However, when the interaction of one's world fits the violent schema designed by the media then they become content. A subset of cultivation, mainstreaming explains why violence may be seen as a norm, instead of shocking. With the repeated message from the media that violence is expected it would be commonplace for one to see it on the streets and not have a reaction to it.
For example, take the Law and Order franchise. If someone frequently watched Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, they might begin to believe that they cannot leave their home without being raped--even though they do not live in New York City, and rape is relatively rare in their community. Whereas, if it was a common crime in their community, they would be more likely to be a bystander in the event of the act being committed because the media has taught them that it's normal. Cultivation theory defines the two extremes that media can force on viewers, violence is everywhere and should be feared as such, or violence is everywhere and therefore is commonplace. Depending on ones current situation, either of these views could permeate their existing beliefs, and influence their future thoughts and actions.
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