GECs
TV violence harms young adults, says study
MUMBAI: It is a known fact that real life emulates reel life. A recent study presented in the March issue of the journal Developmental Psychology by psychologists L Rowell Huesmann and colleagues at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research adds another dimension to this story.
According to the study, the children who watch a lot of violence on the television are likely to have a disturbed adulthood irrespective of how they are otherwise.
The result is not shocking and definitely does not reveal anything earth-shattering A few episodes of Crime files or New Medical detectives on Discovery or some reruns of Banwar on Sony and the few non-believers can change their view.
What is worth noting here is the sheer magnitude of research and similar crime pattern in both the sexes. The associate press report states that the participants interviewed were between ages 6 to 9 and in their early 20s.
The study follows children into adulthood to gauge the long-term effects of televised violence. The fact that makes it even more intriguing is another study which shows that there are more kids turning couch potatoes than earlier.
While the action quotient for the young minds, some years back, was just few WWF matches and movies. The present television scenario has a slew of ‘action’ shows for the young minds.
Huesmann in his study states that the televised violence suggests to young children that aggression is appropriate in some situations, especially when it is used by charismatic heroes. It also erodes a natural aversion to violence.
Despite the soaring popularity of the programmes, there is a need that for the programming to be more responsible. But the solution suggested by the psychologist seems more practical. He recommends that parents restrict viewing of violent TV and movies by young children and pre-teens as much as possible.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
