"But then, if you dismiss Cultivation Theory, you're probably not a Sociologist either." I very much appreciate this statement, and it made me laugh. It's like when I have to argue with people who "find biology super interesting" but are just "really unsure about the whole evolution thing."

As a sociologist I can confirm that "cultivation theory" is as much of a theory as is gravity in physics; despite being a theory, it is so well attested that it's taken as a scientific fact, remaining a theory solely because it's hard to so confidently replicate it as to become empirically proven without leaving any other viable explanation (which is anyways a common thing in sociology along with any other social science solely because of their nature of studying humans).

It's incredible how such a non-controversial statement like, "The media you consume has an effect on you." is treated with such hostility.

Wow. Fantastic video! When explaining cultivation theory to people who insist it's "not real", I usually bring up Bugs Bunny. Because of him, many people now believe that carrots are the staple food of all rabbits' diets. Meanwhile, carrots are unhealthy for rabbits, and too many can kill one. This is usually the first example that comes to mind when arguing with people who insist that media does not affect our perceptions and beliefs, and so far it's been a convincing one.

Fuck. You are killing it, dude. Your work is absolutely essential.

The claim of this video is so basic that I don't know how anyone could in good consciousness dispute it

Cultivation Theory is best described when people complain about actors who played Spider-Man looking too old even though Spider-Man in the comics is a teenager (from my limited knowledge anyway). but as soon as an actual teenager, who by the time is 19, play Spider-Man then they think he's 11 years old or something. we are so used to these old dudes being Spider-Man that teenagers can't even see themselves as teenagers. I could be wrong of course but people have accused him of looking like a kid lol

"And problems on one axis do not negate its value on another" Among the many other excellent points raised in this video, I really think this stands out. The recognition and appreciation of the fact that many, many issues have multiple independent outcomes or factors is extremely important, as well as the understanding that dichotomous thinking is far too simplistic, particularly for matters in such complex fields as culture or psychology (or even nutrition and health).

Thank you, this is the frustrating conversation I keep having. I don't know why people think Anita's series says "games make you sexist" when it parts she flat out says it does not work like that. The main players against her on you tube (the ones that make tens of thousands of dollars a month off her name), keep repeating this nonsense that she says "games make you sexist"... It's unbelievable. Her premise is to point out the vast absence of women and then the filler of these silly awful stereotypes and tropes. Luckily the developers are listening and don't hate her and the world is not collapsing. They've given her an award, and credited her with making at least one game of the year even better.

How can people not understand this? Things you experience affect who you are and how you view the world, that's just common sense.

i cant believe how well put together your writing and ideas are, im over here taking study notes in my free time. keep up the good work

Another brilliant video. Please never lose momentum because your content keeps getting better and better.

The study asked teenagers stuff about adult household organization? So, stuff that a) teenagers rarely give a single thought to and b) hardly ever occur in video games outside of The Sims?

The sole difference between you and Sargon is that you actually go out your own way for un-biased scientific evidence. Also you're not a stupid clown.

People have been talking about Sargon in this comments section. I don't know who he is, but I would like to remind people of CGP Grey's video "This Video Will Make You Angry". It's important to remember that there is vested interest in causing controversy on the internet, and all the flaming we do about Sargon (even if justified) simply serves the purposes of people looking for reactions. Now, I'm not saying don't respond, but when we all band together to both complain about Sargon's ideas *and* Sargon himself, we're just giving more power to him. Just wanted to point that out.

Dude, this was absolutely phenomenal. Regardless of your not being a sociologist, you speak with a lot of authority, backed up by critical research, that is lacking in most writers and content creators here on the Internet. Thank you for doing what you're doing.

"The media you consume can affect your worldview" well no shit Sherlock. I can't believe people even argue that this is not the case.

scientific illiteracy (not knowing how to read studies and sources) is the bane of my existence. I'm a psychologist working with eating disorders and the amount of basically fake news going around in society regarding psychology and nutrition literally makes people sick before my eyes

I really hope that when your Kickstarter obligations are complete, that you're able to continue making these videos. These are very well researched, written and presented. They're always incredibly interesting, entertaining and above all, informative. As soon as I'm in a little bit better of a financial situation, I'll definitely be supporting you on Patreon! Keep up the great work, Ian! :)

You're the KZfaqr that we've desperately needed since L0G1C B0MB left.

One very good example of cultivation theory is the slogan "A Diamond is Forever", and the advertising campaign it was part of. If the De Beers group of companies didn't push this belief so much people wouldn't be using diamonds for engagement rings so much. Even before the great depression diamond rings were only seen as something for the aristocracy alone.

Excellent, as always! You're quickly becoming my favorite, ahem, "content producer" here on YT :D

I'm an... opponent (? for lack of a better word) of Sarkeesian, but I found this video very enlightening. Not having heard of the term Cultivation Theory before makes me realize how much I've been missing out on in terms of the actual mechanics discussed in feminist theory. Thanks a lot!

These videos are awesome, man. Keep it up. You've got a power that feminist women don't have, in that the sexist men (and women) out there will listen to you over a woman. And while your message is the same as many of the feminist critics that I know and love, to a misogynist you come off very reasonable. I've got a few "friends" who fit that sexist bill, and they were far more accepting of your videos then any of Anita's, because you're a man, and in your last series about games and sexism, you did a really good job of separating the watcher from the problem, and explaining it in a way that didn't make the more sexist dude bro's watching feel like it was their fault. My point is- Your videos are awesome, please keep making them DFTBA.

Thank you for this rigorous, fact-based, nuanced and well articulated dive into sociological research on cultivation in general, and on this study in Germany in particular. We need more people providing sound reasoning in these mad debates

Thank you for using the word "cromulent"

Hot take: the study in Germany IS actually bogus. It has many methodological problems with three major ones sticking out like sore thumbs. Each one of those might render it irrelevant and the combination of these three renders it definitely irrelevant 1) it doesn't focus on a subest of games with sexist content or sexist themes or even a genre, but video game players in general. It is absurd to suggest then that there would exist a widely applicable measurable effect here. Its like asking if books make you a fascist. Yes some specific ones or some specific genres might but going by all people who read books makes no sense. Its completely absurd to suggest that a game like hatred and gone home would have the same blanket effect on players and yet this study counts the people who play these game as the same data point which basically renders it useless. Of course you are going to find no aggregate effect if you concider a person who only plays pong and a player who only plays dead or alive beach volleyball as the same for the purposes of your study 2) the question it asks are rarely applicable in its subject matter. Most of the gender roles it questions players about are rarely the topic of discussion in the field. The majority of videogames rarely have explicit situations where they take a firm stance on these issues one way or another thus there is little fertile ground here for research. Most videogames do not concern themselves with the domestic sphere and those that do, like the sims, or harvest moon are usually so player driven they rarely send explicit messages about these very specific issues, thus rendering their effect minimal 3) the way the data for this study is gathered is not reliable. The study isn't double blind, its not even blind. The subjects are straight up asked. Study upon study has shown that people who say they aren't sexist or racist when directly asked nonetheless prove otherwise in practise. Frankly no one but the most radical wants to admit they are openly prejudiced about these issues, especially to other people . Even some of the most vile misogynists and racists call themselves gender or race realists or gender and race critical not sexist or racist because of the negative connotations. Therefore simply asking people if they agree with racist or sexist statements will mostly result in them answering they aren't because they dont want to either think of theselves as prejudiced or don't want to admit it to outsiders. Thus the way the data is gathered in this case renders it unreliable to the max. Any one of these issues would cast serious doubt about the validity of the data here, but as i said the combination of all three basically definitely renders the data invalid. And this isn't something im sayin because this study "disproves my views" as the video makes clear it wouldn't even if it was 100 precent reliable.

This video is so good, I'd like to buy it a drink.

"And problems on one axis do not negate its value on another" Both arrows point to the -inf part.

I just discovered you and I'm already in love with your content holy shit

Wow, I loved this. Really though, even though the study is valid, it doesn't take an idiot these days to recognize those blatantly sexist questions, of course the results were low; like you said, the conversation and issue revolves around much more undetectable, internalized, and socially accepted cases of misogyny and what not.

Very cool stuff. I never heard of the "Cultivation theory", so, this educated me more on feminist issues and brought something unknown to my knowledge. Keep doing what you do, @InnuendoStudios, I love it! Always nice to have some researched points of view like yours.

Dammit everything you do is solid Platinum and it just keeps getting better and better... keep it up!

Now, I know I'm showing up a little late to the party here, but I'm really enjoying your videos. Very well done!

Hey man let me just say, you are quickly becoming one of my favorite KZfaqrs. I've always loved informational and interesting videos, much like the ones you produce. I found your channel when I was looking for information on Phil fish, I loved it, subscribed even though you had two videos at the time and, stopped watching your videos till last week. I didn't see that you were making new content because of KZfaq being KZfaq, but when I found you again the quality and the production value of the videos you were making skyrocket and I fell in love all over again. Basically what I'm saying is thanks for making great content and you're probably going to be the first person I donate to on patron.

Very good video man. I"m always looking forward to seeing you update your channel :)

Where are the vintage images from? Love'em.

that neutral milk hotel outro nggghHHH

Ooh! My like ticked your count from 4.9k to 5k! Yay! Also, I love the word cromulent- I recently compiled a list of my 7 favourite words, and that was one of them. And of course, thanks for a highly sensible take, it’s appreciated.

Your videos are both insightful, informative, and very easy to watch and digest. Thank you :)

He said "the media you consume can change you" but I heard "the frosted flakes you consume can erase you" and I was like wtf is this cocaine getting to my head

i love how you're saying "perfectly cromulent" because that term was coined by the simpsons and it just makes me laugh every time i hear it lol great video btw

Also, to all of the people in the comments going, "but wait, doesn't cultivation theory also argue that people only think sexism exists due to the first-order effects of feminist critique?! CHECKMATE SJWS!" - are you therefore arguing that it is not in any way quantifiably demonstrable that there are still massive inequalities among the lines of gender, sexuality, race, class and nationality in the creative sector and in wider society? The continuation of inequalities along those lines still exist. This is factually undeniable. If anything, the effect of feminist critique is the second-order effect of encouraging more people who care about those things to be willing to engage in critique, actively challenge those inequalities in their own positions and social spaces, and empower others to do so. If /that/ is the thing you think are 'biting feminists in the ass', well...

You manage to express things extremely succinctly, which makes understanding the points you are making much easier. Well done

You had me at "cromulent"...

Cromulent. hehehe

Thank you so much for these man. Your research, thought, and effort into your videos is really appreciated.

Very insightful video, oh and also kudos for neutral milk hotel at the end there!

I'm most impressed that you can make such an excellent, intellectually sound, well-researched video, and then end it using the word "cromulent" multiple times. You sir, are the Master.

Excellent video. You're doing important work. Keep it up!

i couldn't have asked for more with this video! thank you. everything was laid out just right.

Goddammit I can't stop watching your videos. You're starting such interesting and important dialogues in a medium that is kind of lacking in that area right now. Keep it up dude.

I mean basically the whole issue is about a bunch of people who can't accept that humans are complicated

Heyho :) First of all: I love your work! But it would be really interesting to get to know the person behind the videos. What is your background? What are you studying? Why are you this awesome at explaining stuff? I think a lot of your near 18k followers would like these questions answered :D Thank you, stay awesome!

it's funny how both sides of the feminism vs anti-feminism debate accuse each other of being pseudo-intellectuals engaging in sophistry and racism.

Love your channel. Heard about you a couple months ago through RoosterTeeth's The Patch.

keep "On Avery Island" alive! Too many overlook that one, IMO...

As a gamer I hate the thought that other gamers cant recognize these things

Finally! A thought provoking channel here on KZfaq. Thank you!

This is one I the most entertaining comment sections i've read. It reminds me of the other Innuendo Studios video about "popping your own bubble".

I need 6:38 and its perfect disappointed inflection as a sound byte I can just embed all over the place...

It's a sad reflection of our society that videos such as this need to be made to explain the obvious, but great job in doing so!

Something I don't think people consider when they talk about this stuff is that you can engage with the same piece of media in REALLY different ways. Asking like: what are the assumptions, what are the messages, what are the themes? what do I think about them? will change how they act on you in a huge way, & how you'll approach those things in your own art (not to mention engaging deeply with media is really goddamn enjoyable + worthwhile). Which I think is like.. the point of good media criticism (not to tell you your thing as bad and you can't like it)

I fucking love your style of video, and I'm so glad that I found this channel. Keep up the great work; I hope the view counter follows!

What an outstanding video. Thanks Ian

This was so fuckin good mate. Kudos!

Your repeatance of cromulent embiggens my noble heart

Your videos make my days brighter, thank you :)

Great video man

You have to remember scientific studies are written by scientists in scientific language and are expected to be read by other scientists. If someone isnt an expert on the matter, no matter how well intentioned they are, they probably misunderstood a lot about the study.

saw this linked on INDG tumblr - great video just going I just noticed you are also the "This is phil fish" guy - so it is time to watch your archive.

Once again, fantastic work. Nailed it!

Thanks for embiggening the word "cromulent"s cultural worth

"I am not a sociologist." Unless you're a staunch credentialist, yes you are.

Very informative and well thought response to the issue. I really appreciate the video.

If a sexist culture affects video games and if video games affect and reflect sexist culture, the effects of using video games might not be detectable due to the large effects sexist culture outside of gaming. . Of course, some people would like to IMPROVE culture (cultural criticism is one avenue) not merely make sure that video games don't degrade the larger culture (or gamer culture) in a way that is large enough to be detected definitively. Further, cultural criticism does not need to change actual video games themselves to be effective if it changes the way we think about video games. Thinking about stuff is good. Merely accepting and to some extent becoming the culture you experience is less good.

0:35 I have Reddit too Yes, I know where the exit door is...

I saw this years ago but really feel i should thank you. I really needed to see this video as it exposed a major hole in my understanding of media. I once saw a video where someone was arguing somewhat against cultivation theory. The border point of their video was that over censorship is bad and that and that you shouldn't be overly judgmental of people who enjoy media you find problematic as long as they demonstrate an ability to separate fantasy and reality. and I still generally agree with these broad points but there arguments against cultivation theory looking back in retrospect where very silly. They tried to argue that unless you are insane that media would not effect the way you think...they made this video on a KZfaq channel that was largely dedicated to discussing the way in which media the liked had effect their world view and were standing in the middle of a bunch of posters of media they liked...so yeah...not sure why I didn't spot that flaw before.

I think people's main problem with a lot of feminist critiques is some of the ways that she interprets these studies, the theory only says that sometimes culture can effect you and she says the classic non-disprovable sentence, "the less you think media can effect you the more it does" and that is such an exaggeration of what the theory says, it doesn't say that just because you are more conscious of your culture that that will somehow negate or lessen the impact that culture has on you, it is also just an obnoxious statement to make due to if you say that it doesn't effect you then, well according to the sentence you are the most effected, and if you say it has you are admitting that it has even if you don't think so. It's the classic "you don't take criticism well" meme, if you agree then you have the flaw, if you don't you make it look like the statement is true.

I've heard of cultivation theory, but never under any particular name or distilled like this. That alone makes this video worth watching. (The other stuff is also worth watching, of course.)

Man, it seems almost below you to have to dive into the mundane details of this study. But I guess someone has to do it. (Not to mention that the study itself seems . . . not that interesting? Hell, guys these days are more likely to complain that men are *too* pressured to be the breadwinner. And that complaint has its merits -- but then it gets coupled with a victim complex and a "movement" devoted entirely to slinging shit at feminists, so it never goes anywhere good.)

While I agree with you on a lot of points, I find your dismissal of the censorship wars a bit problematic. Like, it's not just games, but nerd culture in general that's had the fear of censorship hanging over its head until relatively recently, and I think we on the academic left kind of made our bed by going into "strange bedfellows" with the right-wing reactionary censors, with some major examples being folks like Andrea Dworkin and Fredrick Wertham And, given a lot of folks in modern nerd culture grew up during censor-fever's major flare-up, couldja sorta see where this reflexive paranoia comes from?

Once again, knocked it out of the park!

Amazing video, keep up the great work dude

"Benevolent sexism"? What does that even mean?

And now, we have Harry Potter fans going through the same fallacious reasoning that you outlined at 6:44. That's not a problem per se, we all need to ask that question sooner or later, but I wish that the fact that Harry Potter is a part of culture, and that culture fall into that many-axises model you outlined at 6:54 can become wide spread in the fandom.

You're a good dude. Keep doing things.

Thank you for embiggening the conversation.

But Anita did call game causes sexism for men. And Why not talk about how a lot of gaming and feminist websites wrote an article about a study "men wanting more female protagonist in video games" and they only had one source website and the website had the option that anybody can vote.

Is cromulent a cromulent word?

Very knowledgeable vid thx u so much I learn lots

I absolutely love how the word cromulent has entered the public lexicon so thoroughly.

Every comment hostile towards feminism invariably proves the need for STRONGER feminism.

Anita is not like jackthompson ! and yet both her and mc intosh behaved just like thompson would have when they saw people cheering for doom.....she also talked like conservative christians about "glorifying "violence

Your content is amazing as always.

Excellent video. I got On Avery Island on vinyl, it's my favorite of the two releases.

That's alot of claims. Could you show links that explain more specifically what you talked about? Alot of the links that Feminist Frequency linked just linked to even more studies which lead to even more studies. It's a mess.

Everything around you effect you in some way, and the same thing can impact someone negatively while others positiv. You cant say anything generates one form of mindset.

I really wonder sometimes whether I find you more convincing than other people because you're better at explaining stuff or because you're a guy.

Love your work, keep it up!