Do Violent video games make you more violent ?

Have you ever wondered if violent video games actually effect your mind or way of thinking? There has been plenty of research and looking into it and here’s some student views.

“Basically 100% of the videogames I play are violent,” stated Sophomore Brandon Stroyier.

Today, parents are becoming more lenient with the games they allow their children to play. Most never really bother to look into what the game is about.

“Yes, they usually don’t care because they know I won’t do any of that or be influenced by it,” freshmen Jason Strowhorn answered when asked if his parents approved of violent video games.

More than half of the 50 top selling video games contain violence. Video games have been blamed for school shootings, increases in bullying, and violence

“Probably, because people let things affect them easily now a days,” said Jason Strowhorn when asked if he thought violent video games may have influenced people before.

Some say these games desensitize kids to violence. Games often reward players for simulating violence and teach kids that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts.

“They can make games less violent but that will just stop kids from playing them and find new ones,” stated Jason Strowhorn.

Many people say that there is no actual evidence found that they are linked together. Some even say violent video games even work as a safe outlet and may reduce crime.

“They have more of a story line and come together more. There’s a lot more you can do in the game rather than playing an average video game,” said Brandon Stroyier when asked if more violent games were better or more fun to play.

School shootings, such as the Columbine High School Massacre, have been linked to these games. The two teenage shooters were revealed to be avid players of weapon-based combat games Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. Could it actually be linked to these games?

“People are so easily influenced by things. They see these things and think it would be cool to do it but it’s not,” stated Brandon Stroyier.

On Oct. 7, 2005, California passed a law that required violent video games to include an “18” label and criminalized the sale of these games to minors.

“I think it won’t change anything if they try to lessen the violence in the games. Games without it are boring and lame,” said freshman Jason Strowhorn.

Most game store places like gamestop have rules regarding mature games. They include that you have to be 17+ or be accompanied by someone 17+ with there permission. They are also required to remind them the game is rated M for mature.

“There are many I think but definitely not as much as the more violent ones. They aren’t as popular and fun,” said freshman Jason Strowhorn.

There has been no real evidence that these games cause the violence or that they are linked. It may all just be fun and games.