Video Games and Violence
12/15/13
Video Games and Violence
Video Games and violence a topic that has caused many a spirited debate both in the classroom, and amongst parents and children. There are plenty of arguments both for, and against the issue. However, there is research out there that shows that large amounts of time spent playing violent video games can contribute to aggressive behaviors, poor academic performance, and desensitization to violence in adolescents.
The debates all begin with violent video games contributing to aggressive behavior both in and out of the classroom. Reports show clear evidence that exposure to violent video games increases aggression in terms of behavior, cognition, and effect, including serious real world aggression, and violence. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, & Nicholi II, 2009).
Things such as trait anger increase the odds. Violent game play was linked to high aggression in people that had high anger traits, as well as to a lesser extent to those with moderate and low anger traits. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, & Nicholi II, 2009). Studies show exposure to M rated games is a strong and significant predictor for adolescents engaging in aggressive behaviors like bullying, and fighting. Results also show that the results are dose related, meaning the more time the child spends playing the game the higher the odds. The numbers go up as much as 45%. M rated game play was an even stronger predictor for this behavior appearing in adolescent girls. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, & Nicholi II, 2009).
The classroom is also where the effects of violent video games can be seen. Concerns are rising among parents, educators and health care professionals that there is a dark side to excessive game play. Studies show that parts of the brain that trigger feelings of addiction are activated during game play. Sign of video game addiction include lying about time spent playing, plummeting grades, loss of key relationships, scholarships, and isolation.
Video Games and Violence
Video Games and violence a topic that has caused many a spirited debate both in the classroom, and amongst parents and children. There are plenty of arguments both for, and against the issue. However, there is research out there that shows that large amounts of time spent playing violent video games can contribute to aggressive behaviors, poor academic performance, and desensitization to violence in adolescents.
The debates all begin with violent video games contributing to aggressive behavior both in and out of the classroom. Reports show clear evidence that exposure to violent video games increases aggression in terms of behavior, cognition, and effect, including serious real world aggression, and violence. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, & Nicholi II, 2009).
Things such as trait anger increase the odds. Violent game play was linked to high aggression in people that had high anger traits, as well as to a lesser extent to those with moderate and low anger traits. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, & Nicholi II, 2009). Studies show exposure to M rated games is a strong and significant predictor for adolescents engaging in aggressive behaviors like bullying, and fighting. Results also show that the results are dose related, meaning the more time the child spends playing the game the higher the odds. The numbers go up as much as 45%. M rated game play was an even stronger predictor for this behavior appearing in adolescent girls. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, & Nicholi II, 2009).
The classroom is also where the effects of violent video games can be seen. Concerns are rising among parents, educators and health care professionals that there is a dark side to excessive game play. Studies show that parts of the brain that trigger feelings of addiction are activated during game play. Sign of video game addiction include lying about time spent playing, plummeting grades, loss of key relationships, scholarships, and isolation.
References: Kutner, L. A., Baer , L., Beres Olson, C. K.,in, E. V., Warner, D. E., & Nicholi II, A. M. (2009). M-Rated Video Games and Aggressive or Problem Behavior Among Young Adolescents. Applied Developmental Science, 13(4), 188-198. doi:10.1080/10888690903288748 Green, J., Dunn, E. C., Johnson, R. M., & Molnar, B. E. (2011). A Multilevel Investigation of the Association Between School Context and Adolescent Nonphysical Bullying. Journal Of School Violence, 10(2), 133-149. doi:10.1080/15388220.2010.539165 Report, Wagner, J. (2008). When Play Turns to Trouble. U.S. News & World 144(14), 51-53