How Photojournalism Avoids Visual Violence

Abstract

Photojournalism stands as one of the primary means of visual communication, wielding a profound social impact. It serves not only as a recorder of events but also as a catalyst for evoking public sentiment. However, in the pursuit of maximizing news value, many images have sparked considerable societal debate due to their depiction of violence. This so-called “visual violence” can not only psychologically impact audiences but also incite moral discussions within society. The emergence of visual violence is often intended to capture attention, enhance media click-through rates, and boost visibility, yet this practice can, to a certain extent, overlook the psychological resilience and moral boundaries of the audience. Thus, how to avoid visual violence in photojournalism has become a critical issue that the modern news industry must confront.