How can we be certain of the links between video games and violence

Violence has existed long before any violent mediaExamples

All of the following have been criticized for having links with violent behavior

Comic booksMusic TVMoviesCan we be certain that violent video

games have a link with violence?

The first game is a Viva Piñata, a game that is rated “Everyone”

The second is the infamous God of War 2, a game originally rated “Teen”, later rated as “Mature”

EC — Early Childhood

E — Everyone

T — Teen

M — Mature

http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/s1614831.htm http://www.melbpc.org.au/pcupdate/

9410/9410article14.htm http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2006/may/21/

news.games http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7034179.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6968550.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5277422.stm http://www.news.uiuc.edu/news/05/0809videogames.html http://www.slate.com/id/2164065/ http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8449-violent-video-

games-alter-brains-response-to-violence.html http://www.physorg.com/news5758.html

Carried out by: National Institute on Media and the Family

1. Exposure to violent games increases physiological arousal. 2. Exposure to violent games increases aggressive thoughts 3. Exposure to violent games increases aggressive emotions 4. Exposure to violent games increases aggressive actions

Parents with concerns who have been affected by the violence:

“The fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Stefan Pakeerah, whose attacker was said to have been obsessed with a game called Manhunt, prompted a campaign by his mother to have violent titles banned”

A study carried out by the American Sociological Association (ASA) Homicide Arrests rates in the USA was falling before and after the Columbine

Shootings Video games are considered as ‘folk devil’; pointing the finger. Various other factors affect the mentality of children and/or adolescents Further Research has shows that games have a more positive effect; than negative. Society’s prejudice and ignorance lead to a more cynical view on video games.

Another study, carried out by Meta-Analysis, Ars Technica: 99% of adolescents play video games at some point High Base playing rate to a Low School shooting base rate Violent video games slightly diminishes one’s capacity of pejorative emotions; but

does not aggravate violence. Gaming leads to improved international and inter-culture communication; reducing

violence motivated by racism or other related factors Games do not directly influence one’s physical expressiveness, personal life is the

major factor that controls one’s emotions.

A multi-racial group of gamers

Vish Video games do not directly affect one’s

mental stability; leading to extents such as violence.

If so, I, as a gamer would have already…

If video games are the cause of violence Would all games in the world have to be

banned? Would different forms of media that

explore violence, or hatred; extreme emotions be allowed?

Can we be sure that the next gamer we see if a murderer?