Facts & Myths About Violent Games

Video games that include or depict violence are very popular among both adults and children, and access to them is easy regardless of age. We noted that what constitutes a “violent" video game is often vague and broad –to the point that even games like Pac-Man could be possibly be considered such a game.

Video games differ from TV and movies primarily by being interactive rather than something that the viewer passively receives. In my own definition and from my experience, a violent video game is one that represents violence as the best or only way to resolve conflict. However, California law for example defines a violent video game in 150 words as, in part, relating to “the range of options available to a player in a video game that includes killing, injuring, dismembering, or assaulting an image of a human being.” 

There is no easy answer to this question. The interactive nature of violent video games can lead to violent behavior, at least for the adolescents who are already predisposed to aggression, or for those who may have difficulty separating fantasy from reality. The link between exposure to violent video games and aggressive behavior is one of the most studied and best-established aspects of this issue.

Some studies have implied that video games can be easily divided into 2 categories: “violent” and “prosocial,” which are also divided into antisocial games and prosocial games that are considered appropriate for children. However, nowadays many games include both violent and prosocial content.

On the other hand, many studies have failed to find a clear connection between violent games and belligerent behavior, and the controversy over whether aggressive behavior transfers to real-life has persisted for many years.

Much research has found that children who play these games become more aggressive over time. However, the changes in behavior were not substantial according to the conventional ways of judging these numbers. The effect violent video games have on children is not large, and I would even say it is a relatively mild effect.

We should be mindful that digital violence is one risk factor for aggression. It is not the most serious effect, nor the most negligible, and it is worth paying attention to.

Simple! To satisfy demand or need.

Millions of players love to kill, slash, and slaughter the virtual enemies in the game. While this desire might be considered an unhealthy impulse, it can also be understood as part of our inherent human aggression. Video games provide space for these dark impulses and morbid curiosities in a safe digital world where no real person dies, and you the player can always respawn. Violence is often the central mechanic of progress and reward in games, which demonstrates a striking lack of imagination on part of game developers.

• Myth 1: There are no studies linking violent video games to serious real-life aggression.
  Fact: High levels of exposure to violent video games have been linked to juvenile crime, fighting at school, and other related behaviors.
• Myth 2: Unrealistic video game violence is completely safe for adolescents and older youths.
  Fact: Digital violence is often perceived (incorrectly) by parents as safe even for children. However, studies have found that being exposed to these games increases the aggression level of children as well as younger adolescents.
• Myth 3: The effects of violent video games are trivially small.
  Fact: Many youths are exposed to high levels of video game violence for long periods of time, which increases their social isolation.
• Myth 4: If violent video games cause an increase in aggression, then violent crime rates in the U.S. would be increasing instead of decreasing.
  Fact: Violent video games are only one of many factors that contribute to societal violence.

Children exposed to violent video games may become numb to violence, imitate the violence they see or exhibit more aggressive behavior. Younger children, and those with emotional, behavioral, or learning problems, may be more prone to being influenced by violent imagery.

There are also concerns about the effect of excessive video game playing on young people. Therefore, we should monitor our children while playing and pay attention to their behavior as they react to the digital world.

The three traits identified were high neuroticism (prone to anger and depression, highly emotional and easily upset), disagreeableness (cold and indifferent to other people), and low levels of conscientiousness (prone to acting without thinking, failing to deliver on promises, and breaking rules).

Certain situations increase exposure to violent video games, such as locating game consoles and computers in the children's bedrooms or allowing their older siblings to share games with them. Children who often played video games with older siblings were twice as likely as other children to play mature-rated games.

Video games and other online activities have become so prevalent among young people that they have altered how they socialize and learn.

• Less time socializing with friends and family, and poor social skills.
• Lower educational level.
• Less reading time.
• Less exercise, and obesity.
• Anxiety and sleep disturbances.
• Aggressive thoughts and behavior.
• In moderation, playing age-appropriate games can be enjoyable and healthy. Some video games may promote learning and problem solving, and help with the development of fine motor skills and coordination.

Teenagers often spend more time playing games than younger children. Nowadays, video games have become very sophisticated and highly realistic, and some are connected to the internet and allow communication and interaction between players online.

Store-bought video games are evaluated by the Electronic Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and rated for their appropriateness for children and teens. The ratings are featured prominently on the game packaging.

Children and adolescents can become overly involved with video games. They may have difficulties controlling the amount of time they play. They may resist their parents’ attempts to limit their time playing video games.

• Avoiding video games for preschool-aged children.
• Checking the ESRB ratings to select appropriate games both in terms of content and level of development.
• Playing video games with the children, to share the experience and discuss the game’s content.
• Setting clear rules for allowed game content and playtime, both in and outside the house.
• Monitoring the children's online interactions and warning them about the potential dangers of making online friends.
• Enforcing total screen time limits.
• Ensuring video games are only played after homework and chores are done.
• Encouraging participation in other activities, particularly physical activities.

If you continue to have concerns about your child’s gaming habits, or if your child is having difficulties with mood or behavior, ask your child’s pediatrician or school counselor to help arrange a referral to a trained and qualified mental health professional.