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Article Title: Socialization and Violence in Liquid Modernity: The Role of Television and Social Media
by Dr. Paul N. Mwangi and Dr. Lydiah W. Wangungu

Abstract:
Judging by the continuity and the effects of violence on human coexistence, the issue of violence and socialization is of great importance. Among the most important life conditions to which all human beings must adjust is the presence of other people, who become involved in socialization as agents of instruction, as models to be imitated, and as sources of reinforcement. Despite the rating of television content with regard to the prescribed audience, children get exposed to violent content in different ways. The child and youth watching and listening to violent television programs, exposed to violent content in social media platforms is usually considered a completely privatised being, isolated before a glaring eye that provides dangerous stimuli. In the process the child and the youth are inoculated against peaceful coexistence and violence is presented as an acceptable part of human existential reality. The 21st century has witnessed interruptions, surprises and incoherence that make it to be equated with the fluidity of liquids and gases. The nature and character of violence has as such demonstrated continuous change. However, violence in many forms is preventable. There is a strong relationship between levels of violence and modifiable factors such as violent socialization, and the absence of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships between children, youth and parents. The current article, attempts an analysis of violent socialization of children and the youth through television and social media and how to mitigate such violence. The article provides a critical analysis and insights regarding effective practices in social sciences contexts. Specifically the article contributes to the continuous debate on the socialization of children and the youth. The debate indicates that television programming and social media are effective tools in the process of socialization be it negative or positive. Given the vastness of the topic and related areas, the current study is limited to youth and children and how television programming and social media content in the 21st century is responsible in the process of socialization. The study supports the use of family-based interventions that challenge acceptance of violence beliefs and teach anger control techniques. This will help elevate consequences such as economic loss, social disruption, diminished quality of life, family disruptions, disability, psychological trauma, morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Socialization, Violence, Liquid Modernity, Modernity, Programming

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