2005-04-18-皮尤-Support_for_Tougher_Indecency_Measures,_But_Worries_About_Government_Intrusiveness_43页_128kb

Summary of Report

The Pew Research Center's report, released on April 19, 2005, examines American attitudes toward the entertainment media, with a focus on concerns about indecency, government regulation, parental responsibility, and emerging media like the internet. The survey highlights divided public opinions but also points to broad agreement on key issues.

Key Findings:

1. Indecency in Media:

   • Americans are ambivalent about government intervention, with 48% fearing that the government's restrictions on entertainment content pose a greater danger compared to harmful media material (41%).
   • Broad support exists for anti-indecency measures, with 75% favoring stricter enforcement of indecency rules during children’s viewing times, and majorities backing increased fines, a single rating system, and applying broadcast standards to cable TV.
   • Public complaints and boycotts (37%) are seen as the most effective remedy for reducing sex and violence in media, followed by government regulations (32%) and industry self-regulation (23%).

2. Parental Responsibility:

   • A near-unanimous 79% believe that inadequate parental supervision is responsible for children’s exposure to offensive media, compared to 13% citing laws or enforcement.
   • 86% name parents as the primary entity responsible for keeping children from harmful content, including the internet.

3. Media Content Concerns:

   • Sex and violence in entertainment have gotten worse, perceive 66% of Americans; 24% say it's better.
   • Americans express growing concerns about the internet, with 73% very concerned about its influence.
   • Today, 46% cite drug references as a major worry, surpassing explicit sexual content.

4. Political and Religious Divides:

   • Views differ by politics and religion: Conservative Republicans (57%) prioritize harmful media content, while liberal Democrats (72%) prefer government restrictions.
   • White evangelicals show stronger support for regulation and higher concern for media harm.

5. Public Image of Media:

   • The motion picture and TV industries are viewed favorably by 60%.
   • Video game manufacturers score low (34% favorable), particularly among older adults.
   • Technology companies enjoy the highest approval (78%).

6. Internet and New Concerns:

   • Internet access is difficult for parents to monitor, with 34% citing it as a key concern.
   • Expanded parental filters use on home computers (51%) is growing.

Overall, despite divisions, consensus exists on parental accountability and support for regulatory efforts. However, debates persist between reliance on government regulation versus industry self-policing.