Cause and Effect of Video Games on Children
Brandon Duncan
Mr. Cross
English Composition II
Cause and Effect Essay
Video Game Dilemma “. . . a new study has found almost half of all "heavy gamers" are six- to seventeen-years-old” (Bennett). The current generation is one being born into the most technologically advanced civilization ever. While this is excellent from a scientific standpoint, it can have some serious negative effects on children growing up with this equipment. Video games are gradually becoming more popular with today’s youth. The rise in video game popularity has caused a major problem with increased aggression and video game addiction in young players. There are multiple root issues with video games that have caused younger players to become more aggressive. One of these issues is intensified violence in recent video games. Call of Duty is one game in particular that has been selling like crazy. Call of Duty is a war based fps, first person shooter, game that requires the player to kill opposing team with guns, grenades, knives, and even nuclear bombs. The problem with a violent game like this is that the only objective is to kill other players. The game is rated mature which means the purchaser must be at least 17 years old to get it, but this doesn’t stop children from getting their hands on it. As technology continues to improve, video games are becoming extremely realistic. This is another cause of aggressiveness in children because it leads to children having violent video game role models. Rather than looking up to professional athletes or firefighters, children are looking up to violent video game characters that do not even exist. Also, the more realistic the game the more a child might believe that they can do in real life what they see in the game. This is a major issue because it is causing children to lash out at others thinking they are indestructible as they may be in a game. The last cause of increased aggressiveness in children is the lack of parental guidance. As
Mr. Cross
English Composition II
Cause and Effect Essay
Video Game Dilemma “. . . a new study has found almost half of all "heavy gamers" are six- to seventeen-years-old” (Bennett). The current generation is one being born into the most technologically advanced civilization ever. While this is excellent from a scientific standpoint, it can have some serious negative effects on children growing up with this equipment. Video games are gradually becoming more popular with today’s youth. The rise in video game popularity has caused a major problem with increased aggression and video game addiction in young players. There are multiple root issues with video games that have caused younger players to become more aggressive. One of these issues is intensified violence in recent video games. Call of Duty is one game in particular that has been selling like crazy. Call of Duty is a war based fps, first person shooter, game that requires the player to kill opposing team with guns, grenades, knives, and even nuclear bombs. The problem with a violent game like this is that the only objective is to kill other players. The game is rated mature which means the purchaser must be at least 17 years old to get it, but this doesn’t stop children from getting their hands on it. As technology continues to improve, video games are becoming extremely realistic. This is another cause of aggressiveness in children because it leads to children having violent video game role models. Rather than looking up to professional athletes or firefighters, children are looking up to violent video game characters that do not even exist. Also, the more realistic the game the more a child might believe that they can do in real life what they see in the game. This is a major issue because it is causing children to lash out at others thinking they are indestructible as they may be in a game. The last cause of increased aggressiveness in children is the lack of parental guidance. As
Cited: Anderson, Craig A. "Violent Video Games Promote Teen Aggression and Violence.” TeensatRisk. Ed. Stephen P. Thompson. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints.Rpt. from "FAQs on Violent Video Games and Other Media Violence." www.education.com.2009. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 7 July 2013. Bennett, Nat, et al. "Video Games Cause Aggressive and Violent Behavior in Youths." School Violence. Ed. Lucinda Almond. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Current Controversies. Rpt. from "11th Annual Media Wise Video Game Report Card." www.mediafamily.org. 2006. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 7 July 2013. "Video Games." Current Issues: Macmillan Social Science Library. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 7 July 2013.