Video Game Violence, Is it really as problematic as we think?

In this blog I would just like to briefly discuss video games and its affects on real life violence and aggression.

Firstly I believe that video games do not effect real life violence, or at least no more than television does. If someone is constantly immersed within a video game, lets say for example GTA 4 and they play this violent orientated game for about 8 hours a day 7 days a week , of course that person will be completely embedded within that game , but if someone goes to the extend of killing in real life and replicating the exact game scenarios, there will most certainly be a reason other than the game which will provide an answer, for example that person may be mentally unstable, or perhaps have had a tough and violent upbringing. It is easy to use video games as an excuse or scape goat in order to explain violent behavior by young adults but perhaps the effects of video games are far less problematic as we think. Most research conducted prove inconclusive, and cannot prove a direct link between video games and real life violence.

Also, the other day myself and a few mates enjoyed a competitive FIFA 2012 tournament on PS3, Even I have to admit that I got a bit aggressive towards my opposition , It all came down to the competitive gaming atmosphere, very similar to real sport , so there is nothing wrong with a bit of 'agro' and slamming the pillow against the wall and cursing at your mates for beating you Its all part of competitive gaming and at the end of the day , people who game understand the implications of games , the fact that it is fantasy and understand that there is a difference between the gaming world and reality. Unless you are mentally ill ,which in that case one cannot blame the problem on the game, I believe video games do not pose any effect on the gamer that causes the gamer to violently act and intestinally harm another.

Brendon