Synopsis: In today’s media-crazed society, videogames are becoming both more realistic and violent. Violent videogames now include material such as graphic murder, prostitution, and various other extreme crimes. The main problem with these videogames is that they are ending up in the hands of children; immersing themselves into the games and the characters (committing the violent acts) themselves. These violent videogames have become very popular among this generation and are returning high profits to the companies who make them. Due to all the studies linking violent behavior among children to watching violence on television, researchers and parents alike have expressed great concern regarding the videogames. Members on this side of the debate are claiming the videogame companies are socially irresponsible, while the videogame companies are placing the responsibility of keeping the games out of the hands of their children.
Facts:
• Violent videogames are becoming much more violent
• Studies have linked violent behavior among children to watching violence on television
• Researchers suggest that videogames cause the same violent effect on children
• Videogame industry executives claim the M-rated (graphic content) videogames are intended for 19-22 year olds, who clearly know the difference between fantasy and reality
• Defenders of the industry state it is the responsibility of the parents to make sure the videogames don’t end up in the wrong hands
Defining Assumptions: Although I would agree that violent behavior among children could be linked violence on television and or videogames, I do not believe there is anything inherently wrong with the videogames when in the hands of an age-appropriate audience. Yes, violent videogames are becoming extremely violent, just the same with violent movies. There is, however, a market and demand for both. In my opinion, videogame industries should not be restricted, punished, or held accountable for the responsibilities of the parents (whose children play the violent videogames.) I feel the same way about alcohol. I am fine with alcohol, when consumed by age-appropriate adults and when consumed in a responsible manner. If the alcohol ends up in the hands of children at home, the responsibility would lie on the parents or guardians of that household; not the alcoholic beverage industry.
Ethical Issues:
• Respect for life & Respect for Others – Some children are carrying out violent acts from their videogames to real life, putting other’s lives in harms way.
Stakeholders:
• Children – The children playing the violent videogames are the ones who are being affected the most. Some children have been known to adopt violent behavior as a result of the games.
• Videogame companies – Could potentially be restricted or limited in the sales of these violent videogames, losing profit margins. Could also be blamed for violent behavior seen in some children.
Ethical Reasoning:
• Humanism
• Libertarianism
• Values: Freedom, Life, Responsibility
• Source of values: Media, Society, Nature
Alternatives:
• Restrict videogame industries from making violent videogames “too violent,” stripping their rights.
• Allow videogame industry to create and sell graphic videogames, but place responsibility on parents if the games end up in the hands of their children.
• Do nothing; continue on as is, placing blame on both sides.
Decision: The right decision to make is to allow videogame industries to make videogames as violent and graphic as they so choose. The responsibility needs to fall upon the parents to monitor which games they are playing and which games they bring home. If the videogames read “Mature Audiences Only,” then it is not the responsibility of the videogame industry if parents are allowing their immature children to play those very games. It’s the same thing with alcohol, pornography, guns, and countless other things that are specifically intended for age-appropriate adults. When these things end up in the hands of children, we need to look no further than the adult who oversees them. Following by this simple code, libertarianism is maximized. This is a free country we live in, and videogame industries have every right to manufacture and sell mature videogames, just as Budweiser has every right to sell alcoholic beverages. Yes, these things do sometimes end up in the hands of underage teens and children, but that is where responsible parenting needs to come into play.