...Issue #5: Do Video Games Encourage Violent Behavior? One of the biggest controversial issues in today’s society is whether or not video games encourage violent behavior. Two sides of the argument are from Craig A. Anderson (an expert on the effect of violence in television and film) and Henry Jenkins (from PBS kids). One side says exposing children and adolescents (or “youth”) to violent visual media increases the likelihood that they will engage in physical aggression against another person. (2003). Now the other side says, the primary audience is not children, that the violence is not increasing in society and that concerns about isolation, desensitization, and violence are overblown. Now starting with the people who say yes, that video games encourage violent behavior have really good facts to back up their argument. Some facts are violent games require you to be one with the character you’re playing. That’s a very good fact, because games like Call of Duty for instance, requires you to play as a soldier in first person, the only thing you see is the gun you decide to pick up. Another game I can think of is the Grand Theft Auto series of games, you play as once individual and you do missions with him where you have to kill. The story modes are really lengthy and you tend to gain a kind of personal relationship with the character even though it is just a video game. You start getting mad when the character gets mad and from personal experience (I play Grand Theft Auto...
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...In recent decades there has been a growing concern among researchers, parents, and the public in general that violent interactive media may incite violence in teens and young adults. Particularly, it has been suggested that violent video games may condition a person to commit atrocities. It's not unreasonable to suspect a correlation between the exposure to violent media and the eventual enactment of violent crime; however, much consideration of variables such as mental illness, physical and mental abuse, and any other variables that would cause an individual to have a predisposition to violence must be done if any position or perspective is to be gained on the issue. A case that has been the center of much controversy regarding video games...
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...Violent video games cause violent behaviour so they should be banned With computer technology quickly evolving gamers are now able to have a much more realistic experience when playing video games than they would get 5 years ago, and with these major improvements we have also seen a rise in the popularity of games which can be described as violent, disturbing and brutal. This rise in popularity has also lead to some controversy. Experts and especially parents believe that some games are way too violent for kids to be exposed to and think that something should be done to regulate the sale of these kinds of games. Gamers (including kids) believe in none of this, in fact they may even sometimes see violent video games were the must beat, attack and kill their opponents as a way of releasing violent urges, is this not a great way of releasing your anger, in a digital world? If parents don’t think so then there are many other, although they may include destroying the house or causing fist fights in the playground. Personally I view violent video games, not just as a way of distracting myself and having fun, but I also find it kind of therapeutic, I am able release all the anger and anguish which tends to built up over the day, for me it is an essential necessity. Besides this, video games have other positive aspects; your kid may be forced to master a certain ability which he/she needs to overcome and obstacle which they didn’t have before. For example, in the ‘Tom Clancy’ games teamwork...
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...Although technology has paved the way for a newly incorporated society, questions remain about its effects of media on humanity. Social Media Violence, Video Game Controversies. Child Development, Mental Health, and Youth Behavior have all been concerns pertaining to the convenience of our peer groups. The world’s common persona is perceived as though big media affects teenage decisions, their standards of appearance and personality, communication, and the advantages and disadvantages of their lifestyle. The 21st century Media contains elements that could obtain either a positive or negative influence on our younger generation. As you all know, Social Media portrays violence indirectly and directly through common platforms used by today’s youth. A local newscast entitled “ABC News” aired a story where they interviewed a Chicago citizen who revealed how sites were used to promote violence. For Example, Gangs use sites to produce threats against others and rival gangs or as an opportunity for membership openings. Deaths and violent operations have been caused because of these brutal acts. Also, Meta-analyses of these baleful results of violent media prove that youth who observe these types of media have ranging anti-social behaviors. According to the Social Cognitive...
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...Main Stream Media Violence and the Effects on Society Violence can be found in almost every form of media from television to video games. Violence exists in sports, news, movies, and games. This violence has many implications on society. The impact of this violence is different from one person to the next and from children to adults. There are many forms of violence in the media today. Violence is most prevalent on TV and in movies, video games, and the daily news from around the world. Violence can be found in sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, hockey, and football. The news reports of murder and other forms of violence every day. News about foreign wars or news of violence in your local inner city, bet your bottom dollar you will hear something new every day. It seems like every day there is a new and violent video game coming out. Games about war and games about crime life, even games about fantasy violence are all over the market. Children are affected by violent media more so than adults. Studies have shown that on average, American children watch no less than 4 hours of TV a day. Studies have also proven that violent programming can have some very adverse effects on children. Children can become emotionally numb to violence and develop a lack of empathy for victims, as noted by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Children have been known to imitate the violence they see on TV. Some children may even learn to use...
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...Media Violence and Violent Video Games: The Cause for Aggression – Yes or No? Kimberly Fitzgerald-Amend PSYC3520-Introduction to Social Psychology u10a1-Opposing Viewpoints in Social Psychology Capella University March 2013 Abstract Everyone, at one point or another, may display aggressive behavior. Where did this behavior come from? This paper will discuss opposing viewpoints on the role of media violence and video games in the development of aggressive behavior. Included herein will be a brief overview of Albert Bandura’s “Social Learning Theory”; a discussion of media violence and violent video games and their possible roles in the development of aggression; and the ethical viewpoints on violence in the media. This paper will conclude with an overview of all presented information. Media Violence and Violent Video Games: The Cause for Aggression – Yes or No? It is a beautiful, sunny summer afternoon and spending a few hours at the park seems like a great way to enjoy it. However, only a few minutes into it, Tommy pushes Sara off the swing and now going to the park does not seem to have been the best choice. Why did Tommy do this? What causes children to act aggressively? Is it because shortly before coming to the park Tommy played a violent video game; or maybe on his way out he passed through the room where his father was watching a breaking news story about a murder victim? The role the media and/or violent video games play in the development of...
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...Nick McIntosh Do violent video games lead to real violence? This topic has been tossed around quite a bit lately since unfortunately there has been a string of ridiculously violent acts lately. Some would say it all dates back to 1999 when Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris opened fire in their Colorado high school slaying 13 people. It was revealed that both Harris and Klebold both were into playing violent games, like Mortal Kombat, Doom, and Wolfenstein 3D. As of 2009, roughly 91% of America’s youth play video games [source:Yahoo News], so should we all hide and be in constant fear? Probably not, in the 50s kids who exhibited bad behavior were often condemned because of comic books. I know comparing “bad behavior” to something like a shooting spree is ludacris but our ultra violent media world has always made a fantastic scapegoat. Let me provide you with some real life examples other than the Columbine shooting, just so you can develop your own opinion and further ingest the topic. Devon Moore an 18 year old killed 3 officers June 7th 2003, no criminal history. The report shows that he was cooperative as the officer booked him on suspicion of stealing a car. He then snapped and went on his rampage, after the dust had settled it was reveled that Moore played Grand Theft Auto for hundreds of hours, which is primarily a cop killing game. The Attorney Jack Thompson, a long time crusader against video game violence, is bringing the suit. “What we’re saying is that Devon...
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...Media Violence and Children Unit 5 Thomas Clancy – Instructor Shirley Landram Abstract This purpose of this essay is to show some of the ways television can influence children. It delves into emotions that can be experience or learned from family or TV. Understanding what young ones perceive and learn at different ages can be helpful to curb the impact that television shows have on children. Many people are concerned about the effect of media violence on children. Can something be done about this problem? Education and understanding may be a help in curbing violent tendencies. Only time will tell. Media Violence and Children This generation is being raised in a world so full of technology that often it is hard for anyone to keep track of it. As parents try to keep up with the fast-paced world, many rely on television as a babysitter. There children see violent behaviors and misconduct. Some of the programs are not good for a child since what is seen can desensitize them to abusive behavior in everyday life. Parents have an important role in helping children understand what is seen in the media.. Opting for more prosocial programs and explaining about emotions involved is something parents and caregivers can do. There have been studies done of how violence on shows affects children. It is wondered if violence on television has lasting effects. If too much violence is seen by children, they seem to become unaffected by it in later years. It teaches the child...
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...know if they are putting others in danger, what signs are there, what should be looked at, and what can be done to stop these acts of violence. I remember watching the MTV special “Warning Signs”; it explained the violence in our society today. In the video they talked with young adolescents and asked them questions dealing with crimes they have been institutionalized for. The video also explained warning signs of someone who may be planning to commit an act of violence. Study has shown that anger plays a major role in ones behavior problem. Aggression is any form of behavior intended to harm or injure another living being. There are many reasons why someone acts in an aggressive way. First, many people have an instinct of being aggressive towards certain individuals, second genes are another factor that can develop from a complex interaction of biology, social experience, and each individuals behavior, t... The potential influence of violent video games on youth violence remains an issue of concern for psychologists, policymakers and the general public. Although several prospective studies of video game violence effects have been conducted, none have employed well validated measures of youth violence, nor considered video game violence effects in context with other influences on youth violence such as family environment, peer delinquency, and depressive symptoms. The current study builds upon previous research in a...
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...Gamers be Prosecuted for Virtual Stealing?” the author Alex Weiss calls out a young teenage boy who is being prosecuted for stealing in a video game. It seems to be a legal blunder that is very straight forward, but becomes a heated debate. It begins with the argument should we prosecute a gamer for stealing via the virtual world? Alex Weiss is correct in saying that prosecution for virtual theft is wrong in the scheme of things, because each player reacts differently to behaviors. Even though a person is a “raider” in a game, it doesn’t make them a criminal in the real world. Weiss opens up his article with, “As a reformed online gaming thief, this ruling makes no sense to me. It places too much value on the time people spend playing video games. Video games are not work or investments for which people should be compensated; they are escapism.” (Alex Weiss) Some may say that time is money, but that may not be the case. The productivity in the game is what makes each individuals’ time valuable. Therefore compensation for piracy of an object that does not exist would place the value of the time spent to gain a merely hypothetical item. It could be seen as when does this need to end? It is a very well-known fact that there are people out there who live their lives as MMO’s (massive multiplayer online) gamers, playing games such as World of Warcraft, Eve, and Runescape. The extreme separation of life itself and recreation should not suck any real world elements...
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...Are Video Games Dangerous? Should teens be able to play violent video games? Teens should not be able to play violent video games. Role- playing games with simulated violence are sperilous for kids. If it is study proved that it can cause violence then why are they not illegal, or why do they not have a law that say you have to be a certain age to be able to play violent video games? In the article “Do Games Like ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ Cause Real-World Violence?”. “ In fact numerous studies have been conducted and the results are mixed. Some studies have shown that video games increase aggression.” “ It is possible that someone who plays or buys the violent video game will later go on, to carry out a horrible shooting. Should that happen, it will almost certainly occur in America, which boasts far and away the highest number of mass shootings (and shootings in general) while boasting no higher rate of video game consumption.”...
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...television and video games. As individuals in society display more aggressive behaviours in everyday life, researchers have endeavoured to identify the extent of how much violence portrayed in the media affects an individual’s thought, feelings and behaviours. While there is still debate as to whether there is a casual link between media and aggression, or that engaging with it maybe be cathartic, it has become evident that exposure to violence portrayed in the media can have short-term and long-term effects. This literature report will concentrate on reports and research focused on the influence of different types of media on aggression and the levels that these can be interpreted psychologically. Influences of Different Media on Aggression Exposure to violent media and the effect that this can have on an individual has been a topic that has interested researchers and society alike for decades. The likelihood of aggressive behaviour, thoughts and emotions is increased with short-term exposure to violent video games and films. (MVC 2012:337; Anderson 2004:2). Reasons provided for this increase by the Media Violence Commission (2012:337-8) and Myers (2013:378) is neural processes known as priming and mimicry. Priming is a concept in which images can activate thoughts and behaviours. With this theory in mind, when a person is exposed to violent scenes in the media and video games this can trigger aggressive behaviours, feelings and thoughts. For example, after playing a video game...
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...As more and more evidence is presented of the harm that TV, movies and videos can do, and as the media are becoming more pervasive, more intrusive, and more disturbing in content, many parents are at a loss as to what to do to protect their children. Television seems to be an especially threatening presence because it brings into our homes, automatically, so many things most parents would never choose to expose their children to. No one delivers books or videos to our homes unordered, but our television provides an outrageous array of disturbing content, that is readily available at the touch of a remote almost anytime of the day or night. A lot of what television has to offer involves violence or the threat of harm in some way. Summer vacations are a blessing for children and teenagers as they find much and more time to watch TV, play video games and use internet. It is a worry for the parents as to how check and control their children from getting engaged in experiencing violence through various forms of media. In today's overall environment when already the minds are susceptible to be influenced by messages provoking for action and thrill it is a responsibility on our shoulders on how to protect our younger generation. As there is no legislation to prohibit children and adolescents from watching violent content in any form, it is difficult to control. The second issue is that the games and other videos are easily accessible in the market. Pirated editions are sold at cheaper...
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...Signifcance of Video Games The development of video games over the past decade have been astonishing, however the affects that following playing video games have been known for being long term. The significance in the development of Video games is great. It plays a huge role on children because it affects not only their cerebral growth but it also effects he functions of their daily lives. These aspects primarily affect the child’s future performance academically and socially. When presented with content that contradicts what values you were previously taught, it can be avoided when older but no so much as a child. With modern day video games, violence is displayed differently than before. In video games like COD (or call of duty) and GTA, it’s clear that violence is encouraged and is awarded. These games teach children that harming or potentially killing others or themselves is the right thing to do. Tis type of encouragement of the wrong values can tamper with children’s cerebral development. Because their brains are still developing, it is harder for them to distinguish what values are the correct ones to follow. This confusion of reality and fantasy can make kids repulsive and violent with their surroundings. The propaganda of violent video games has spread worldwide sales exceeding $21 billion in 2013. With violence playing a big role on the values with children, communication with others also get compromised because of playing too much video games. It can largely impact...
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...personalized avatars in a violent video game on levels of aggressive behavior. Analysis 1.1 Alexis Walker Selitto Playing a video game is a good stress reliever it works especially well when you can immerse yourself in a world of fantasy. Being able to go a step further and create a likeness of yourself makes the experience all the more entertaining and relaxing. There are groups who say that making a likeness of yourself in a video game has a negative effect on a person even when playing a non-violent game they say that the effects on children are worse than in adults. It is said that because one has a likeness in the game they can carry out violent tendencies that would in the real world be illegal. When the player has stopped playing the game their mind is still focused on what they did when playing wither it was raiding a village, killing hordes of demons or suplexing someone from behind. Having an avatar that looks like the player does not cause one to become violent it is the fact that people with aggression problems pick games that would allow them to express their anger and aggression and can not come back to reality once they have been playing and they carry this over into other activities in their lives such as school, work, even other video games. There are plenty of people...
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