Both sides of the argument are brought to light in two separate articles. Craig Anderson, who is considered an institution in research on aggression, summarizes the main points that link violent video games with aggression. First, although methodology in aggression research is very much disputed, violent video games have been consistently found to be “significantly associated with: increased aggressive behavior, thoughts, and affect; increased physiological arousal; and decreased prosocial (helping) behavior.” Despite these findings, Anderson recognizes the fact that media violence is not the only factor that could contribute to violent behavior. He also states the need for longitudinal studies that could either support or oppose older findings.
It is on this last point that brings us to another research done by a group of professors at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. According to the results of their long-term study on online video gamers, an average of 56 hours of playtime in the span of a month had no significant influence to bring about real-world aggression (Lynn).
The more recent stream of video games being released in the market has been coming under increasing scrutiny, especially since newer technology is making violence, blood, and gore in video games more realistic than ever. I personally don’t think violent video games immediately cause violence in players, but I do believe that it can play an indirect role in aggression. As Anderson already observed, media violence is only one of the many factors that can lead to aggression. A person’s violent tendencies are rooted on many different things, from family life to school life to his/her ability to cope with stress and difficulties. These factors are far more important to the emotional and social development of a person and are more telling of his/her aggressive or violent behavior. So I definitely don't believe people can go and blame video games for any of their behavior when there’s so many other important factors, to me it seems that those who believe that are trying to turn violent video games into and scapegoat. That seems just ludicrous and like those individuals are trying to take the easy way out, and not take any real responsibility for their actions.
Of course, if you ask an average video gamer about this controversial topic, he will most likely be adamant in denying that playing violent video games makes him more violent. The truth is, while playing video games will likely affect a person than, say, watching a violent film, simulating war or murder through a control pad is hardly the same thing as doing it in real life. Majority of video gamers are adults who are very much aware of the difference between basic right from basic wrong, and you can’t conclude that video gamers are more likely to commit murder or kidnapping than non-gamers. Even this interview of psychology professor, Patrick Markey at Villanova University
(found on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnWO09q2nnw) emphasizes the fact that the majority of people who played violent video games are completely unaffected by it, and only those who were prone to anger showed any signs of aggressive behavior.
Unless there are statistics to show that most bullies play violent video games, or most criminals in jails play video games, using video games as scapegoat is not very responsible. This is what happened when media blamed video games for the Columbine shooting and even linked the Virginia Tech shooting to the same issue. If anything, people should focus on setting up the right environment for their kids. With or without video games, it is parental guidance and a healthy social life that can prevent tragedies like that from happening.
Works Cited
Anderson, Craig A. “Violent Video Games: Myths, Facts, and Unanswered Questions.”
Psychological Science Agenda. Oct. 2003: 17 (5). American Psychological Association. 9
Feb. 2009 <>
Lynn, Andrea. “No strong link seen between violent video games and aggression.” News
Bureau. 9 Aug 2005. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 9 Feb. 2009
Video thanks to youtube.com
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