Violent Video Games

Since video games have been introduced, video games have been accused of contributing too many atrocities, and acts of violence. News outlets paint video games as being a source of which some acts of violence happen. Yes, violent video games have become more popular, meanwhile becoming controversial, but still there exist no links between aggression and video games. The University of Bologna says that “owning videogames does not in fact seem to have negative effects on aggressive human behavior” (Koffler par.7). Meanwhile, news outlets keep on missing the point on how beneficial video games are. Video games do not contribute to violence, can be educational, and they can improve us in different ways.

“According to data recently released by The NPD Group, in 2012, U.S. video game software sales reached $6.7 billion (174.8 million units) and computer game sales were $380 million (13.2 million units)” (Improving Economy). To many, the violent video game industry has turned all adolescents into mass murderers. However, they’re absolutely wrong. Very seldom do adolescents who play violent video games commit acts of violence, and the ones who do usually have a mental disorder. Instead of blaming the tragedies that occur on violent video games, the news media should explain to people that a large percentage of young males play violent video games, indicating that the two are uncorrelated. They should alternatively research other possible solutions to the crisis. In lieu of negatively affecting people’s lives, video games could potentially improve their lives!

Violent video games increase the amount of mass shootings every year. The violence in the video games teach kids and even some adults to do things that they normally wouldn't know how to do, the first person shooter effect teaches kids how to use a gun and more than that, teaches them that it's alright to use a gun anywhere. When kids are playing first person shooter games against their friends, it seems like a game to them, those kids think that it is fun to run around chasing your friend with a gun and try to kill them, these games are also like target practice for them. Teaching these kids those skills prepares them for school shootings, abusing their families, and even causing them to talk back to their parents, other family members, teachers, and any other adults that could stand in their way. Adults who play first person shooter video games could be playing them for fun, what they were intended for, but when ever mass shootings occur like the one in Las Vegas at the Jason Aldean concert, or the one in

Are violent video games directly correlated to teen violence? This is the burning question many researchers are dedicated to answering. The common form of the question is “Is the increase in violence in games creating killer kids?” The simple answer is no. Instead the opposite has occurred, as games became more violent, the players became calmer. The games create a “safe” outlet for any anger or angst that young people possess. Crime rates in the teen population have lowered and violent teens admit to having little to no interest in violent video games. The games that most people fear are destroying the youth may actually be one of the things helping them grow and become “normal” members in society.

A significantly large portion of the video games created within the past 5 to 10 years contain some form of violence. On top of that, some of the most popular video games out in the market today are extremely violent and warrant an “M” rating for mature. Video game developers are well aware of this trend and continue to produce more graphic, interactive, and realistic content. Therefore, there is a concern that the vast amount of violence in video games is changing how youth develop and what they perceive as normal. Many researchers believe that there is a link between video games and increased aggression in the people who play them.

“Various reports and commentaries have documented the fact that Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza’s video game playing included violent shooter games like Call of Duty, Counterstrike, and Star craft” (Bezio). While it would be absurd to blame the violent, first-person shooter games solely, it’s not to say it did not play a part, especially if that someone already had a mental illness. “Video games, music, television, movies, novels, and Shakespeare don’t cause violence. Mental illness, psychological abuse, and physical abuse cause violence” (Bezio). While the research for the link of violent video games is far from being totally conclusive, it has been making progress. “But while the study found evidence of slowed moral growth in teens who play games, it was unable to determine if these effects happen to people who play first-person shooter games for two hours a day, once or a week, or any other specific amount of time” (Bilton). Playing video games is different from reading a violent book or watching a violent movie. In books or movies you are just going with the flow. In video games you are actively, consciously making a choice to act in a violent way. For most people they can separate fiction from reality but those who are mentally ill may not be able to do so as

Still think violent video games are harmless and fun? Consider putting down the remote control and listen up. December 14th, 2012. At Sandy Hook Elementary School a day of learning was interrupted by the sounds of gun shots. That day 20 year- old Adam Lanza shot over 20 children between the ages 6-7. Such a horrific event that had a cause of what seems an everyday occurrence to teens and kids. Violence simulated video-games. These games can cause a negative mindset that violence is okay. Look at the Sandy Hook Shooting, the murderer was proclaimed to play too many video games. That is just one example of how these video games can create that ambiguous mindset that violence is just a game. Let alone it also shows how the influence of constant

Any kid playing violent video games might commit a violent crime, like murder or assault. The quote,“ Casual link between games like ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ and violent shootings, we will soon have eighteen to twenty million killers on our hands, not to mention the countless millions more who have been playing violent video games

Since the 1950s, the effects of videogames have been debated on whether it is harmful to kids.(Carey) During the years, various videogames have developed more gruesome content and have been blamed for crimes such as school shootings. But in recent searches people have found that studies connecting videogames and violence are frequently flawed. Additionally, people have stated that it influences kids into immoral behaviors but, it actually can improve their behavior. It is also scientifically proven that videogames are beneficial in various ways.

Playing violent video games is not directly responsible for all violence, and criminal activity. However, the question remains whether or not playing certain games can lead to higher levels of aggression. Parents often ponder this very question when their children beg for one of these games that are rated M for mature. This very well may be where the problems occur since these games that were designed for ages 17 and up are now in the hands of underage adolescents. The reason problems can occur in such scenarios is because while even though the people who are old enough to buy and play these games usually understand that the actions depicted in the games are unethical. While those who are younger and need their parents to buy the game for them might see the same actions as cool and fun. When gamers lose sight of reality and become incased in certain games they can also lose track of their morality. This means that violent video games are in theory capable of placing dark thoughts into the hearts and minds of all the players. Therefore, this paper will discuss if thoughts formulated while playing violent video games can be reasonably linked to an increase of aggression.

Violent video games do not promote prosocial behavior between humans. Violent video games have contributed to fatal actions. “Mika Brzezinski said, ‘It’s kind of hard not to make a connection [between games and the Navy Yard Shooting] when you hear [the shooter’s] friend saying that he would watch on a life size screen these violent video games for hours and hours and hours and hours and hours’” (Kain). Violent video games are being linked to many of the mass shootings around the United States, specifically the Washington Navy Yard shooting. Instead of helping each other some violent video game players are turning to guns and weapons, which is

Violent video games are some of the most popular games for their realistic graphics, complex storylines, and overall carnage. Children soon find themselves playing them daily to access new items, achievements, and missions unlockable in the game. However, this motivation can quickly slide into obsession and, in many cases, addiction. This kind of obsession causes lasting effects on the child’s brain. The citizens of Slaughter, Louisiana tragically experienced this in August of 2013 when “an 8-year-old boy intentionally shot and killed his elderly caregiver after

Most of us have certainly pondered on the thought if video games truly create violent citizens, I personally believe that video games do not what so ever. One must distinguish this topic accurately and consider learning to differentiate and not have a biased or radical opinion. There have been many attempts from a number of different people who have tried to give a bad name to video games due to the simulations and realness and say that video games will create a negative environment for anyone who plays them, especially in children. Enthusiasts of video games have spent decades asserting that there is no underlying link between playing violent titles and engaging in the violent real-world behavior. Brand-new data confirms their contentions.

Did you know that the average amount of time an 8-18 American child spends on video games per week is 8 hours? That’s a more than a whole school day! Many kids today are spending more and more time on video games. Not only is it damaging to the brain and body, but it also can cause insanity and dementia. Many of the mass murderers of the past have been found to play violent video games. Teens should not be permitted to play violent video games to ensure that they will not become aggressive.

Since the modern electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and consoles are developed and improved, video games have been enhanced together with the latest technology. Now, video games have become one of the most iconic hobbies and free time activities for teenagers from simple smartphone games to high-graphic console or pc games. However, some people tend to claim that video games are harmful to teenagers and cause them behave violent and aggressive. Also, some opinionated radicals state that video games are related to youth violence. While some people think that video games have negative effects on teenagers’ behaviors, video games have no link with youth violence, but, in fact, have positive effects on prosocial behaviors,