Video Games, have their popularity affected our society for the better?

Video Games, have their popularity affected our society for the better?

Video Games, have their popularity affected our society for the better?


In today's society, the presence of violence is not the question, it seems to be seen more as the answer. What is the question? Video Games. More specifically, do video games cause a negative or positive effect on society. Do video games significantly contribute to youth violence? Are video games becoming the newest tool to sharpen a youth's mind on subjects ranging from academics to battlefield strategies? The bare bones of it comes down to, Video Games, have their popularity affected our society for the better?

The debate is still out on wither or not video games directly relate you youth violence, but the prevalence of violent themes in games definitely seems to be an apparent factor. To cite a recent example, the popular console video game, "Grand Theft Auto 5" generated an impressive $1 billion in global retail sales in just the first three days of the release, according to Activision UK senior brand manager Kevin Flynn. Those record breaking sales are all to be attributed to a game focused on committing crimes such as grand theft, prostitution, and murder. All a game like this is doing is rewarding players for simulating violence, and thus enhancing the learning of violent behaviors. Studies suggest that when violence is rewarded in video games, players show increased aggressive behavior compared to players of video games where violence is punished. More and more reports of bullying can be attributed to the popularity of violent video games. The 2008 study, "Grand Theft Childhood", reported that 60% of middle school boys who played Mature-rated games hit or beat up someone, compared to 39% of boys that did not play Mature-rated games. Violent video games are desensitizing players to real-life violence. In a 2005 study, violent video game exposure has been linked to reduced P300 amplitudes in the brain, which is associated with desensitization to violence and increases in...

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