Video Games and Violence Essay Example for Free

Video Games and Violence Essay Video Games and violence a topic that has caused many a spirited debate both in the classroom, and amongst parents and children. There are plenty of arguments both for, and against the issue. However, there is research out there that shows that large amounts of time spent playing violent video games can contribute to aggressive behaviors, poor academic performance, and desensitization to violence in adolescents. The debates all begin withviolent video games contributing to aggressive behavior both in and out of the classroom. Reports show clear evidence that exposure to violent video games increases aggression in terms of behavior, cognition, and effect, including serious real world aggression, and violence. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, Nicholi II, 2009). Things such as trait anger increase the odds. Violent game play was linked to high aggression in people that had high anger traits, as well as to a lesser extent to those with moderate and low anger traits. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, Nicholi II, 2009). Studies showexposure to M rated games is a strong and significant predictor for adolescents engaging in aggressive behaviors like bullying, and fighting. Results also showthat the results are dose related, meaning the more time the child spends playing the game the higher the odds. The numbers go up as much as 45%. M rated game play was an even stronger predictor for this behavior appearing in adolescent girls. (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, Nicholi II, 2009). The classroom is also where the effects of violent video games can be seen. Concerns are rising among parents, educators and health care professionals that there is a dark side to 1 excessive game play. Studies show that parts of the brain that trigger feelings of addiction are activated during game play. Sign of video game addiction include lying about time spent playing, plummeting grades, loss of key relationships, scholarships, and isolation. Children begin to choose the game over participating in school activities, social activities, chores, and homework. For example a ninth grader plays a game with members of the group from around the globe, his parents tell him it’s time to get homework and chores done. The child sends an email to the group saying he is dropping off line. This causes chaos, he gets responses like† are you nuts! We are in the middle of a mission. † The group dynamic takes priority over everything else. An anonymous mother and physician tells of howher son went from a thriving student to user. His grades plummeted, he failed all his classes, lost his scholarship, and is now trying to rebuild his life. Membership becomes so important it becomes hard for the child to separate the fantasy from reality. The more they play the more they begin to identify with the character, and members of the group. Once this happens some type of intervention is usually needed. (Wagner, J. (2008). Professionals feel that violent video games can also contribute to desensitizing adolescents to every day violence, and human suffering. What are seen as horrific, and violent events are just an everydayoccurrence. Most people would never expose their children to violent, or mature content depicting killing law enforcement, and civilians. However, one of the most top cited, and played games among adolescents is Grand Theft Auto, which includes all of the above, and more . (Kutner, Baer, Beres, Warner, Nicholi II, 2009). Professionals feel games like this have an even greater effect on adolescents than slash, and gore movies. Studies show that games like Quake IIeffect how a child sees things after gameplay. If they were angry going into the game, it affected their outlook after gameplay. 2 The debates will continue on video games and violence. Will there be problems with every child? No, of course not. However, evidence is out there to support the fact that video games and violence cancontribute to aggressive behaviors, poor academic performance, and desensitization to violence in adolescents. Parents, educators and Medical professionals can work together to lessen the odds. However, monitoring, boundaries, and playing an active role in the child’s activities are still the best defense. 3. References Kutner, L. A. , Baer , L. , Beres Olson, C. K. ,in, E. V. , Warner, D. E. , Nicholi II, A. M. (2009). M-Rated Video Games and Aggressive or Problem Behavior Among Young Adolescents. Applied Developmental Science, 13(4), 188-198. doi:10. 1080/10888690903288748 Green, J. , Dunn, E. C. , Johnson, R. M. , Molnar,B. E. (2011). AMultilevel Investigation of the Association Between School Context and Adolescent Nonphysical Bullying. Journal Of School Violence, 10(2), 133-149. doi:10. 1080/15388220. 2010. 539165 Report, Wagner, J. (2008). When Play Turns to Trouble. U. S. News World 144(14), 51-53.