Violent Video Games and Bad Behavior

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At this day in age we bask in the luxury of having easy access to advanced technology at our disposal. From the World Wide Web, to cell phones, music, movies and video games the human race has thought of any and everything to keep us entertained. Over the years studies have shown reasonable concerns regarding the long-term effects of video games. These games can desensitize gamers to real life violence, which is usually seen in the younger crowd. The studies especially hit on the games containing player-on-player violence. Though these games are extremely entertaining and can get kids to settle down for a while, if not properly supervised, they can produce adverse effects. Other studies have shown that video games can be used as way to yield positive outcomes such as, good problem solving skills, cooperation in a group and the ability to flow. Although there has been psychological research on children learning through the actions of others some believe that children are automatically able to distinguish between what is just a game and what is reality. The longer they are allowed on their game system the more they become convinced that their games are real. Some researchers believe violent video games can channel the aggression of the child but the parents are to blame for what happens to the child after playing an excessive amount over a period of time. Children can become preoccupied with these violent video games which have been proven to be the cause of poor social skills, uncontrollable aggression and a false reality. I happen to sympathize with the children, though, perhaps because they’re getting hooked on these games and some have aggressions problems because of them. Increased exposure to violent or “action packed” vide... ... middle of paper ... ... their video games with them. Children love that interaction. That parent-child relationship is kind of like a prerequisite to forming other relationships when they are placed in the social setting. Plus, how good would it be for a child to have a cool parent that plays video games with them? Works Cited Adachi, Paul J.C. and Willoughby, Teena. “Do Video Games Promote Positive Youth Development?” Journal of Adolescent Research 28.2 (2012): 155-165. Web. 12 April 2014. Dill, Karen E. and Dill, Jody C. “Video Game Violence: A Review of the Empirical Literature.” Agression and Violent Behavior 3.4 (1998): 407-428. Web. 14 April 2014. Geen, Russell G. “Human Agression.” Aggressive Behavior 18.1 (1992): 75-76. Web. 14 April 2014. Larson, Reed W. “Toward A Psychology of Positive Youth Development.” American Psychologist 55.1 (2000): 170-183. Web. 12 April 2014.

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