Computer Game Violence

Computer Games and violence is a topic that is very controversial in America. Like all other topics everything has its pros and cons. One of the most common criticisms of computer games is that they increase violent tendencies among the youth players. Parents are very concerned with their children playing violent computer games because they feel it influences their actions. Playing violent computer games can increase a person's aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior according to studies. For example, on April 20, 1999, 18-year-old Eric Harris and 17-year-old Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and a teacher in the Columbine High School Massacre. The two were allegedly obsessed) with the video game Doom). Violent computer games are said to be more harmful than violent television and movies because they are interactive and require the player to identify with the aggressor (Cochran). There has been several studies by groups such as The Harvard Medical School Center for Mental Health, The Journal of Adolescent Health, and The British Medical Journal have shown no link between Computer Game usage and violent activities. One study did find an increase in reports of bullying. Research found that certain patterns of Computer Game play were much more likely to be associated with bullying than with major violent crimes such as school shootings (Griffiths). Computer Game environments are often based on plots of violence, aggression, and gender bias. A very good example of a computer game that contains all three of these things is the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The game came under criticism of implying allegedly racist hate crimes. The game takes place in "Vice City" a fictional Miami in 1986, which involves a gang war between the Haitians and Cubans (Bensely). Many computer games only offer an arena of weapons, killings, kicking, stabbing, and shootings that kids become so addicted to. Games like this can sometimes confuse reality and fantasy and may