Effects Debate

The effects debate concerns what effect media has itself on the audience. It is highly likely that some texts can have a largely negative effect on it's audience, particularly younger minds which is why regulations have been brought in to prevent this. There have been three sides of the debate, which are:

- Those who articulate their concerns about the effects of the media without any actual evidence.
- Those who have conducted research into media effects and whether the effects are positive and negative.
- Those who are subject to the debate, usually children or teenagers consuming new forms of media which the 'adult culture' are worrying about.

The most notable form of regulation for this is age ratings which are applied to media products such as video games and films in the UK by the BBFC.