Video Games and Violence
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Beth Soloway
UNV-104 Expository Essay Final Draft
8/17/13
Nikki Squire
Video Games and Violence Playing video games is an ubiquitous pastime among youth today. Popular genres of video games are about conflict and resolution, much like real life. When people hear the words violent or violence, they automatically associate these words with negativity. However, studies have shown (Ferguson & Rueda, 2010) that in the world of video games, those that are considered violent can actually be of benefit to adolescents and young adults who display aggressive, depressed, and other antisocial behaviors.
Aggressive behavior in real life situations is often seen as socially unacceptable. Where as in controlled environments like in the comfort of one’s own home, a player can vent his frustrations by actively participating in what would be considered a violent video game. Violent games may provide a structure where players can proclaim control over their virtual environment (Ferguson & Rueda, 2010). The player may feel a catharsis when playing a video game. Rather than expressing his angry feelings in real life, he can release his aggressive energy through fantasy play (Lorenz, 1963). This is why playing a violent video game can relieve stress and aggression in a socially acceptable domain.
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Furthermore, individuals with depressed moods will often search out avenues of media that may help them alleviate their suffering. Violent video games in particular may offer a way for players to over come their feelings of loss of power and control. Immediate goals can be met in the virtual game world (Nabi, Finnerty, Domschke, & Hull, 2006). Power and dominance over virtual settings can be a positive way of overcoming feelings of helplessness in the real world. Since active participation is essential to playing video games, a feeling of inclusion and involvement may give a player a sense of control. There is social
Beth Soloway
UNV-104 Expository Essay Final Draft
8/17/13
Nikki Squire
Video Games and Violence Playing video games is an ubiquitous pastime among youth today. Popular genres of video games are about conflict and resolution, much like real life. When people hear the words violent or violence, they automatically associate these words with negativity. However, studies have shown (Ferguson & Rueda, 2010) that in the world of video games, those that are considered violent can actually be of benefit to adolescents and young adults who display aggressive, depressed, and other antisocial behaviors.
Aggressive behavior in real life situations is often seen as socially unacceptable. Where as in controlled environments like in the comfort of one’s own home, a player can vent his frustrations by actively participating in what would be considered a violent video game. Violent games may provide a structure where players can proclaim control over their virtual environment (Ferguson & Rueda, 2010). The player may feel a catharsis when playing a video game. Rather than expressing his angry feelings in real life, he can release his aggressive energy through fantasy play (Lorenz, 1963). This is why playing a violent video game can relieve stress and aggression in a socially acceptable domain.
2
Furthermore, individuals with depressed moods will often search out avenues of media that may help them alleviate their suffering. Violent video games in particular may offer a way for players to over come their feelings of loss of power and control. Immediate goals can be met in the virtual game world (Nabi, Finnerty, Domschke, & Hull, 2006). Power and dominance over virtual settings can be a positive way of overcoming feelings of helplessness in the real world. Since active participation is essential to playing video games, a feeling of inclusion and involvement may give a player a sense of control. There is social
References: Ferguson, C.J., & Rueda, S.M. (2010). The Hitman study: Violent video game exposure effects on aggressive behavior, hostile feelings, and depression. European Psychologist, 15(2), 99-108. Doi:10.1027/1016-9090/a000010