Do Video Games Cause Violence?
Various studies have attempted to determine if video games can actually cause violence. Most studies have found that while the video games themselves may not cause any real physical harm, they can increase aggressive behavior. And in the case of violent games, they are also highly addictive.
A recent study from the Virginia Tech Center showed that while playing video games does not lead to any major changes in the way people act, they can make you feel more aggressive. One study even suggested that people who play violent video games want to drink hot sauce. However, there is no clear cut answer as to what causes this heightened level of aggression.
Another study looked at the correlation between violent video games and other measures of a good time. Researchers divided the participants into three groups: a control group, a group that played the most violent game, and a group that played a nonviolent game. The results were interesting. They found that while the group that played the most violent game tended to be less socially conscious, the ones that played the least violent game were the most socially conscious.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has been studying video games for more than 20 years. It has compiled more than 400 studies, many of which were conducted by independent researchers. APA commissioned a task force to study the connection between video games and violence. After reviewing about a half-dozen research papers on this topic, the task force concluded that there was no definitive answer as to whether or not video games can really cause violence. For this reason, APA is calling for more research into the matter.
According to APA, the best and most effective way to keep kids safe is to set firm ground rules. They suggest that parents should discourage violent game play, and that children should be encouraged to spend their free time trying out traditional forms of entertainment. As a parent myself, I would encourage my daughter to try some games. She may be surprised at how fun these types of activities can be.
Despite these recommendations, many parents still worry about their kids getting into trouble. In fact, a recent survey by the LA Times found that more than 20 percent of Americans are interested in playing violent video games. This is not surprising, considering that the United States is home to more than 150 million gamers. But there’s no one answer for all families. Many parents worry about what their kids will do with their video gaming addiction.
Video games are not only fun, they can also help decrease crime. However, they aren’t without their share of controversy. There is plenty of evidence that video games can increase aggression, particularly in young people. In the past, APA has urged that more attention be paid to limiting the amount of violence in video games. While some researchers have suggested that a lack of regulation might be a contributing factor, APA says that the industry could do a lot to protect its users from the pitfalls of violent gameplay.