Violent+Crimes+and+Video+Games

It is often said that violent crimes coincide with the releases and playing of violent video games. I wanted to share some of the links, tables, and articles I have come across over the years that state otherwise.

Science Blog Article: =The Influence of Media Violence on Youth=

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Article:

=Video Games Affect the Brain—for Better and Worse=

I have never agreed that everyone is affected negatively by media violence, especially video game violence. I have always personally felt that it is up to each individual, and the saying goes "one rotten banana spoils the bunch." Which is true for anything, so a few kids became violent after playing Grand Theft Auto; and pardon my bluntness, but we all did not become violent and go on rampages stealing cars and killing hookers. It simply did not occur. Not only can most of us separate game from reality, I think that video games actually heighten this. It is clear that I cannot fly, wield a keyblade, have Donald Duck as a traveling companion, I'm not James Bond or the Tomb Raider, I don't live in any other worlds, space, the future, the past, or in a dreamland, and I certainly can't stay up for 40 days straight like most video game characters do.

Video games are there to entertain and bring us into worlds we may never have experienced before. They can help with learning, stress, motor functions, thinking, comprehension, ADHD, processing, etc.

Each person takes something different out of video games. It's like saying that everyone should stop taking certain medicines because a bunch of people get sick. We know the risks, and parents need to be there to teach children differences and answer questions. I'm not saying that parents don't do that, I'm just saying that games can be a great addition to life, but there's always moderation and monitoring needing to be done. And if approached in the right way, the children who are so apt so absorb knowledge will absorb the right kind. I remember playing racing games and Tetris with my mom. We learned together and had fun together, and that was an important part of my growing process. It brought us closer at times. I also played Grand Theft Auto, and I am happy to say I have never stolen a car, wielded a gun without proper supervision by a trained professional, or killed anyone or anything for that matter. I've never even considered those things. Part of that is my personality, and part of that is how video games were portrayed and explained in my household. It's important to cover all the bases and teach, not just throw children in front of the tv and tell them to behave.

Got on a rant there.