Research Paper on Video Game Violence Essay Example
Kendal Hill
Mrs. Van Fleet
Block 3
10 December 2011
Video games and Violent Behavior True or False: Violent videogames cause children to become more aggressive. Sorry, that was a trick question. Despite much bandying of statistics and loud talking by critics on both sides of the argument, the real answer is that there is no real answer—at least not one that’s been proved scientifically (Zipp). Video games are an appealing target for a public figure in search of a crusade. Movies and music have energetic advocates, but it’s hard to find anyone who will defend games for their artistic value, or even on the grounds of freedom of expression. Usually the strongest argument made for games is that they are harmless fun (Koffler). Nevertheless legislators are drafting self-righteous bills that practically beg to be overturned in court. Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich asserts that “ninety-eight percent of the games considered suitable by the industry for teenagers contain graphic violence” (Koffler). Most information about the topic in the media is incorrect. “In fact most of the information in the popular press about the effects of violent videogames is wrong” (Zipp). There is no real evidence that shows violence in video games cause violent behavior in children. There may not ever be a reasonable answer to how the two are related, but the question if violence should be banned from videogames (media) is a serious topic today. Violence in videogames should not be banned from the media. I think this would result in a major stunt in creativity not just in videogames, but in the media in general. Violence in the media couldn’t be banned from the media anyway due to the fact it is protected under the First Amendment (Freedom of Speech and Expression). Therefore making any attempts to band violence in videogames unconstitutional. According to researchers Kutner and Olson the complete banning of violence in videogames would result in an increase in violent
Mrs. Van Fleet
Block 3
10 December 2011
Video games and Violent Behavior True or False: Violent videogames cause children to become more aggressive. Sorry, that was a trick question. Despite much bandying of statistics and loud talking by critics on both sides of the argument, the real answer is that there is no real answer—at least not one that’s been proved scientifically (Zipp). Video games are an appealing target for a public figure in search of a crusade. Movies and music have energetic advocates, but it’s hard to find anyone who will defend games for their artistic value, or even on the grounds of freedom of expression. Usually the strongest argument made for games is that they are harmless fun (Koffler). Nevertheless legislators are drafting self-righteous bills that practically beg to be overturned in court. Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich asserts that “ninety-eight percent of the games considered suitable by the industry for teenagers contain graphic violence” (Koffler). Most information about the topic in the media is incorrect. “In fact most of the information in the popular press about the effects of violent videogames is wrong” (Zipp). There is no real evidence that shows violence in video games cause violent behavior in children. There may not ever be a reasonable answer to how the two are related, but the question if violence should be banned from videogames (media) is a serious topic today. Violence in videogames should not be banned from the media. I think this would result in a major stunt in creativity not just in videogames, but in the media in general. Violence in the media couldn’t be banned from the media anyway due to the fact it is protected under the First Amendment (Freedom of Speech and Expression). Therefore making any attempts to band violence in videogames unconstitutional. According to researchers Kutner and Olson the complete banning of violence in videogames would result in an increase in violent