Studies have been conducted to determine the mental and emotional result of violent video games on kids, and has proven that their mental status can be altered by playing just one game. Recently an article has been published by the Dayton Daily News out of Dayton, Ohio, titled “Study: Violent Video Games Increase Aggression”. In the article, author Dave Larsen describes a study that was conducted at Ohio State by Brad Bushman, an Ohio State professor, during which he observed and studied the effect violent video games had on the players. During the study, 70 college students were observed over a three day period during which time they were assked to play either a violent or nonviolent game for 20 minutes After they finished playing, the students were put through certain activities to judge and observe their hostility and aggression. In the article, Larsen states that “Bushman’s research also showed that violent video games decrease both pro-social behaviors, such as cooperation and support of others, and feelings of empathy and compassion for others.” Now, look at the chart to the left, which compares the percentage of students involved in physical fights to the amount of play of violent games. According to this study, 63% of students that play high amounts of violent video
games had higher hostility and were involved in physical fights, as opposed to 4% that played low amounts of games and had low hostility. While many argue that the amount of violent crime has decreased since these games gained popularity, it is undeniable that aggression levels among children and teens has risen, which will only bring conflict in the years to come.
Citation:
Larsen, Dave. "Study: Violent Video Games Increase Aggression." Dayton Daily News. 05 Feb 2013: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web.
08 Oct 2013.
"Business Geek." Business Geek. N.p., 10 Apr. 2008. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.
games had higher hostility and were involved in physical fights, as opposed to 4% that played low amounts of games and had low hostility. While many argue that the amount of violent crime has decreased since these games gained popularity, it is undeniable that aggression levels among children and teens has risen, which will only bring conflict in the years to come.
Citation:
Larsen, Dave. "Study: Violent Video Games Increase Aggression." Dayton Daily News. 05 Feb 2013: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web.
08 Oct 2013.
"Business Geek." Business Geek. N.p., 10 Apr. 2008. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.
The graph to the left describes Violent Crime Victimization by Age. According to this study, Children ages 12-19 are most likely to be victims of crimes. It is also this age of children that play video games on a regular, frequent basis.
Reports of Bullying, 1999-2005
(Rate Per 1,000
Students)
(Rate Per 1,000
Students)
Results from a 2007 Poll to the Question: "Do you Think Violent
Movies and Video Games Inspire Mentally Unstable People to Commit Acts of
Violence Like the Shootings at Virginia Tech?"
Movies and Video Games Inspire Mentally Unstable People to Commit Acts of
Violence Like the Shootings at Virginia Tech?"
Charts 2 and 3: Lawrence
Kutner, PhD, and Cheryl K.
Olsen, ScD, Grand Theft Childhood: The
Surprising Truth about Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do,
2008
Chart 4: Virginia Youth Violence Project, "Violence in Schools,"
www.youthviolence.edschool.virginia.edu (accessed Feb. 12. 2010)
Chart 5: PollingPoint, "Gun Control Results," www.pollingpoint.com
(accessed Feb. 12, 2010)
Kutner, PhD, and Cheryl K.
Olsen, ScD, Grand Theft Childhood: The
Surprising Truth about Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do,
2008
Chart 4: Virginia Youth Violence Project, "Violence in Schools,"
www.youthviolence.edschool.virginia.edu (accessed Feb. 12. 2010)
Chart 5: PollingPoint, "Gun Control Results," www.pollingpoint.com
(accessed Feb. 12, 2010)