Whether or Not Violence in Video Games Should Be Allowed

577 Words3 Pages
Violent video games have been blamed for school shootings, increases in bullying, and violence towards women. Critics argue that these games desensitize players to violence, reward players for simulating violence, and teach children that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts. Video game advocates contend that a majority of the research on the topic is deeply flawed and that no causal relationship has been found between video games and social violence. They argue that violent video games may reduce violence by serving as a substitute for unrestrained play, and by providing a safe outlet for aggressive and angry feelings. I believe that the latter is true. Violence in video games has no negative effect on young children and teens. An easy way to show this is that violent juvenile crime in the United States has been declining as violent video game popularity has increased. The arrest rate for juvenile murders has fallen 71.9% between 1995 and 2008. The arrest rate for all juvenile violent crimes has declined 49.3%. In this same period, graphic video game sales have more than quadrupled. This shows that as the amount of violent video games were being sold; the less violent crimes were being committed. Another key point is that through a large amount of studies shows that the small correlations that have been found between video games and violence may be explained by violent youth being drawn to violent video games. Violent games do not cause youth to be violent. Instead, contrary to popular belief, youth that are inclined to be violent seek out violent entertainment such as video games. This is the opposite of what others think; however, this is what has been proven. Many people say that playing violent video games provides a safe outlet for aggressive and angry feelings. A 2007 study reported that 45% of boys played video games because "it helps [them]
Open Document