Violence and Video Games
Violence in Video Games and Our Youth
Over the years violent video games have become a major topic throughout America. An issue that has been debated over the years is the violence in video games and its negative impact on our youth. A few major points I will cover are the increased aggressive behavior, youth 's desensitization, and parental supervision. All these are a contributor to the effects our children have faced or will face in the future. Violent video games are extremely popular with today 's youth; however, the violence has a negative impact on our society. Children partaking in violent video games have exhibited increased aggressive behavior. Anderson and Dill (2000) has stated, "One study reveals that young men who are habitually aggressive may be especially vulnerable to the aggression-enhancing effects of repeated exposure to violent games." (p.1). Anderson (2000) also stated, "Violent video games provide a forum for learning and practicing aggressive solutions to conflict situations." (p.1) in just these studies alone, the increased aggressive behavior is identified and linked to the violence in video games. A reward system is also implemented in many of the games. The more violence committed or the more success you have with the games constitutes the outcome. In order to win one must create and be successful at violent acts, win or lose children are showing signs of behavior that is violent. These games act as a training ground to learn aggressive behavior. The effects have also stemmed to encouraging disregard and aggression towards authority figures, such as vandalism, theft and harming others. A popular video game today, Grand Theft Auto, allows the gamer to play as a character. The main character Tommy Vercetti is involved in criminal acts such as drugs, auto theft and guns, just to name a few, and gamers are rewarded with the character becoming wealthier and more powerful throughout the game. With games such as GTA, it is no wonder why
Over the years violent video games have become a major topic throughout America. An issue that has been debated over the years is the violence in video games and its negative impact on our youth. A few major points I will cover are the increased aggressive behavior, youth 's desensitization, and parental supervision. All these are a contributor to the effects our children have faced or will face in the future. Violent video games are extremely popular with today 's youth; however, the violence has a negative impact on our society. Children partaking in violent video games have exhibited increased aggressive behavior. Anderson and Dill (2000) has stated, "One study reveals that young men who are habitually aggressive may be especially vulnerable to the aggression-enhancing effects of repeated exposure to violent games." (p.1). Anderson (2000) also stated, "Violent video games provide a forum for learning and practicing aggressive solutions to conflict situations." (p.1) in just these studies alone, the increased aggressive behavior is identified and linked to the violence in video games. A reward system is also implemented in many of the games. The more violence committed or the more success you have with the games constitutes the outcome. In order to win one must create and be successful at violent acts, win or lose children are showing signs of behavior that is violent. These games act as a training ground to learn aggressive behavior. The effects have also stemmed to encouraging disregard and aggression towards authority figures, such as vandalism, theft and harming others. A popular video game today, Grand Theft Auto, allows the gamer to play as a character. The main character Tommy Vercetti is involved in criminal acts such as drugs, auto theft and guns, just to name a few, and gamers are rewarded with the character becoming wealthier and more powerful throughout the game. With games such as GTA, it is no wonder why
References: Dill, K., Ph.D., Anderson, C., Ph.D. (2000) Violent video games can increase aggression. Retrieved February 25, 2007, from URL http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/teens/violentvideos.html Carnagey, N., Anderson, C., Bushman, B., Universiteit, V. (2006) Psychologists produce first study on violence desensitization from video games. Retrieved February 9, 2007 from URL Http://Sciencedaily.com