Comments on: Author Reveals “The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games”

By: styles1005

styles1005 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:04:36 +0000

Oops – said I had said I disliked GTA but took the previous reference out in proofreading. Sorry ’bout the error.

By: styles1005

styles1005 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:02:48 +0000

I can speak on this as a child who plays violent games – and you really should mention that it’s computer AND video games, not just video. Maybe I’m different (actually I guarantee it – I’ve never met anybody who didn’t at least think I was weird) but for me violent games are fun for the same reason, say, math or creative writing is fun. It’s about accomplishment, not violence – whether that accomplishment be taking out a squad with just your wits and your sniper rifle, or creating a world on paper, or just finishing the quiz with 100%. Besides, the same people who object to being in the same store as a video game will gladly plop their kids in front of the television for 4 hours a day with no interaction, no talking to friends – even if it is just taunting them as they try to find out where you are holed up this time – and no thinking at all.

Quote: “Also, if parents want to gain a better understanding of violent video games, they should try playing a game or two with their child. It’s a fun thing to do, you get to spend time with your child, and you gain a better understanding of something that seemed totally alien to you before.”

This is exactly right – if you are concerned about what your child is playing, try it yourself. And actually, some of the most controversial games are the most harmless. Take GTA for example. While I have said I dislike it, which is true, it is not nearly as bad as some games. 1) The main character was framed, actually. 2) Your path is your own choice. It is shades of gray, not black-and-white – something children need to grasp. If you’re concerned about what your child will see, take Allie’s suggestion – play it with them. If you’ve got enough time to censor them constantly and completely, you’ve got enough time to make sure your children understand the difference between right and wrong and between games and reality.

By: Medialit4U

Medialit4U — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:53:38 +0000

Read “Violent Video Game Effects” by Anderson, Gentile, Buckley and “Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill” by Lt. Col Dave Grossmen and Gloria DeGaetano for resesarch that correlates aggression with violent video games. Most gamers don’t want to admit that it effects them — however research shows that it does.

By: Allie

Allie — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:01:45 +0000

I think that if a child DOES act out as a result of a violent video game, it should be the parent’s fault. They failed to teach the child right from wrong, and they failed to recognize that their child needed their love and attention.

Also, if parents want to gain a better understanding of violent video games, they should try playing a game or two with their child. It’s a fun thing to do, you get to spend time with your child, and you gain a better understanding of something that seemed totally alien to you before.

By: JEWEL ALLEN

JEWEL ALLEN — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:26:37 +0000

I THINK THAT THIS ISSUE IS CONTINUING TO OVER POWER OUR CHILDS MIND AND IF WE GET RID OF THE VIDEO GAMES THERE WOULDNT BE ANY MORE LITTLE KIDS PLAYING GUNS.
THIS IS THE REAL WORLD AND VIDEO GAMES TEACH US WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

By: kelsey

kelsey — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:08:16 +0000

ummmmmmmm i think in some cases preteens that play m rated video games shouldnt be aloud to if there parents dont care wat their child plays they dont care wat happens to them or they dont pay enough attention

By: Tirade

Tirade — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:11:48 +0000

I’m glad to see some intelligent discourse and study on this subject. There’s been far too much sensationalism with little/no evidence to back it up in the news the last few years.

By: Adron

Adron — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:36:28 +0000

I sometimes think that polls are more damaging to society than any of these violent video games. In turn, I know far more people disgusted, influenced, manipulated, and controlled by fear generated by polls that I’ve ever met that were manipulated, influenced, disgusted, or controlled by violent video games.

One thing I said to myself when I read one part of this article was, “it isn’t the bullying that is generated by the video games, it is the video game play that is generated by the bullying – if it weren’t for the game, they’d probably bully even more”.

Mark my words, the games are far less influential than people think. They ARE just entertainment. However the media and its contradictory approach to everything in life definitely causes more hatred, coercion, violence, and other such things than any of these video games.

The other thing to remember is, we’re far less violent now per capita then we were 10-20, 30 or more years ago.

Society, without regard to pretend violence, is becoming safer by the day – slowly but surely.