good thread anon. well before tv/movies/etc were a thing, human behavior was influenced by heroes in popular mythology, even; the phenomenon is known as ostension, and one example is how mithridates III imitated a lot of alexander the great's behaviors and attitudes. with the greater immersion of video stimuli, the effect of suspension of disbelief is greater and potential for influencing attitudes and behavior increases as well.
the easiest way to influence one's thoughts is through their feelings, and that's why so much of our modern culture is so feminized. I will never forget during new student orientation at a very liberal college, a professor overheard a new student say, "I feel XYZ..." and the prof expressed how great it is that the new generation is saying that instead of, "I think XYZ...". It struck me as a bit odd at the time but nevertheless took awhile for me to fully appreciate why.