Well,I have to agree with Miss Anonymous that it's a matter of maturity. It's also a matter of balance. If the child were to be more engaged with the video game than his friends, then there might be a cause for worry but all in all, a game is just entertainment.
Yeah it wasn't supposed to be anything terribly long. Like I told a couple other people, I had to also write a 5-10 page paper along with this. THAT goes a lot more into depth about the argument. This was just a quick public statement to try and get the audience to think more about the issue and what the real problems are behind it.
Dr. Mama Cat. (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/10/08 | Reply
It’s an old argument; however, as distasteful as it is, there is some creditability to the claims that violent video games contribute to real violence. Now before you jump in here and object to what I am saying (not you Kimmeh since you’re points are similar), keep in mind that the key phrase here will be that it is but a contributing factor, if and only if, certain conditions are met.
It isn’t that the game made them violent; it’s that the decision to be violent was made and the video games only gave them a means to see how to possibly go about it. The game has nothing to do with a child becoming violent, but if one is in a surrounding where they are already predisposed towards such behavior, then playing such games only feeds into that.
Saying they are psychologically unwell only scratches the surface of a very complex problem. Even that is a generalization since plenty of children are considered unwell and yet would still not resort to violence. So that’s a oversimplification as well.
Parental involvement can of course reduce the risk, if there is any, but nothing is certain and there is no such thing as saying the issue will go away if they become more involved. You do what you can to reduce the risk and hope that it is enough.
The only complaint I would have against this is though it does cover the basics, it feels like you didn’t get into any serious depth with this topic. But I don’t know what your requirements for this were so that kind of makes the point moot.
I do agree, I don't think Games cause acts of violence really. I think that people are sensible enough, though it does depend somewhat on maturity. I sometimes think that people can be a little less sensitive to violence if they see it a lot on tv and games...which I guess isn't good. But that doesn't make people go about acting like pyscho's. I think they must already have been pyscho's to begin with. So I guess people that are a little...unstable shouldn't play violent games. But I don't believe it would affect anyone else.
Though to be fair my comment about people becoming less sensitive to things like that might not be at all true. I am one of those overly sensitive people who can't watch or play anything even mildly violent...I just can't cope with it ^_^; Though I think there are some people who are a little too fine with it haha.
I totally agree that parents need to spend more time with their children, I think that would help a lot. I also think it's strange that Video Games get all this bad press for being bad for children...when things on TV can be just as violent. If not more-so at times. Surely that would have the same effect?
This article is well written, and it's very interesting ^_^ Thanks for a good read.
This was a very well written essay - strong and straight to the point. You also did well with keeping it flowing, i.e. you didn't go off on any bunny trails. You also used good diction, proper grammar and mechanics (Though I saw a couple possible mess ups... But that could just be me and my idiosyncrasies.)
As for your subject, I've heard this come up at different times, wheter in the media or elsewhere. It's a popular topic in the gaming world. You approached the matter from two different perspectives: one from the view point that violent games do lead to violent actions, and the other view point saying violent games do not lead to violent actions. I could see good points made by both sides.
I have to agree with you though - I think it really boils down to the parents' involvement (or lack thereof) that leads to any violent actions by kids. Certainly, in the end, the child makes the final decision for his actions, which is why it is evermore important for parents to guide their children in the right way.
Excellent essay, Kimmeh! If I were a teacher, you'd get an A! Haha! :D
Vagrant AI (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/08/08 | Reply
I believe this whole argument can be summed down to maturity level. Indeed, that's why there's a rating system, foolish parents who buy MA games for their 10-year-olds.
But, one could also say with that argument that even though someone can legally buy an MA rated game, they may still not be mature enough to handle it or respond appropriately.
I do believe that's a perfectly legitimate argument. However, even given that, and even saying that for some kids these games are heavily influential, that still only proves that it's a case-by-case situation.
Yeah, a lot of adults are just so quick to judge video games. Anyone with a basic sense of morality would be able to tell between right and wrong, reality and fantasy. Even games like Grand Theft Auto have their own inconsistencies. The main character keeps committing terrible crimes and always gets away with it... and rather easily too. Within these games, the judicial system doesn't even exist! I'm sure most kids would be smart enough to know what kind of trouble they can get into when they commit such crimes =/
Although we now have next-gen consoles which churn out such realistic visuals, in-game violence/blood/gore can never be as real and as horrifying as those in reality itself. I'm very used to playing games with lots of blood and dismembered body parts splattered all over the screen, and I hardly cringe at those. But in real scenarios, even the slightest gore can freak me out o_O Well, the whole point is, you can unleash gory violence with a controller, but actually carrying out the act itself in reality... is a whole different story!
As for those who keep pushing for bans on violent games, I think this one can shut them up: If video games with violent/gory content should be banned, how about we do the same to every single movie or TV show that fall under the same category?
wow, i've been trying to make this argument for years (my parents yet to believe me as well as a few teachers). personally, for me at the very least, violent video games actually decrease any violent tendencies that i may have just because i then "vent" my anger through the game, and i know i'm not the only person out there that does that.
my only argument that my comply with the opposing, is stuff like "grand theft auto" which does place you in the role of the "bad guy" going around and doing illegal things and beating up police and so forth and so on, that i think should be limited, because even though older teenagers may realize that you shouldn't do stuff like that, it is a bit influential to the "younger" sibling, so to speak.
that's it though, my i'm in total agreement with the rating system idea and the fact that parents need to sit down with their kids and explain the reason why, because luckily for my parents, who did just say flat out "no" and it did have the opposite effect on me, i was able to figure out the ratings for myself and why they were bad...and for the most part that doesn't happen...i think. could be wrong (more often than not i usually am. ^^;)
Chibi Artist Girl (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
It's funny to find this type of article posted considering that I wrote a big essay for school that dealt with this very topic!
The issue is a really complicated one and you're right that some people who only look at it from one angle aren't seeing the whole picture. Really, both sides have valid points: for one, kids who play violent video games have probably already had violent tendencies, but on the other hand, violent video games reward players for violence and make it look good. So it's hard to find a straight solution to the problem. But I agree, parents have a lot to do with it.
I really like your article. It's well-written and well-supported and I totally agree that it really comes down to parents spending time with their kids and explaining why their kids shouldn't play certain games. Nice job! ^-^
great post kimmeh! and i agree 100% with that bill blake dude i think that the children were already in a hostile environment and those thoughts were already there and playing the video game just gave them a chance to act out what they had already though! and i also agree 100% with you also kimmeh if the parents would spend more time with the child and explain things then the negative effects of the game should be cancelled out if there are any! again great post kimmeh!
I couldn't have said that any better. People always blame violent video games on why a student go's into a school and shoot students dead, but the real problem is not how the student got the game but how they got the gun. America has a completely undeniable lust for guns, and no one ever addresses this problem. Why does America love guns? Simple, turn on the news at night and there will always be a report about a murder, drowning, shooting, or anything horrible. The amount of crime in America has decreased, but the amount of crime being reported on the news has increased by 400%. This extreme increase in these horrible stories has left America scarred and paranoid. If anything, the true heads of this problem is children getting their hands on guns, the media drilling violence, rape, and drugs into our minds everyday on the news, and parents actually spending time with their kids. These are the true problems going on related to this.
I agree that parents should be on the lookout of what their child is playing if the kid is prone to become violent. Other than that I'm sure that video games don't cause people to suddenly turn violent, I mean I love gore and violence in vid games and I sometimes imagine myself acting like a psycho person but I know better, so I just leave it at that and not let it leak into my real behavior. People have a brain and they know better than to let themselves influenced so easily.
Raid Boss (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
I think only ninnies who have never been within 90 feet of a console in their life think video games causeviolence. You don't have to tell us. ;) I thought it was interesting what the one scientist said about children who gravitate towards the games already have some weird psychological thing going on. I haven't necessarily heard that argument before. But you obviously did your research, so awesome pawsome.
Cause I mean, if video games seriously caused violence, I know a lot of middle-aged women that would be be building bombs because they played too much Minesweeper on Windows. Yeeeeup, Windows is in actuality responsible for the Vietnam War. And it was carried out by 45 year old suburbia women. Little known fact there.
Long time no see. It's about time someone posted something about this matter. I'm all for the Blake man.. He's right on point because hell, I play SmashBros, Soul Calibur IV, and other fighting games a lot. But you don't see me going to the Library and jamming a lance down a staff members throat in the name of Athens. ::*shakes head*:: Some people just have issues. :
I mean if that were the case.. that the things we play and watch influence us so absolutely as they claim, then shoot, I'd be all bisho-bisho from some of the animes I watch. ::*cringes*:: Especially with you in your earlier days squealing about Vincent's and Renji'shotness. You even got me to admit it once.. But I'm still straight. :D So it all depends on the person's mindset. :]
Fenrir63
Otakuite+ | Posted 04/18/09 | Reply
Well,I have to agree with Miss Anonymous that it's a matter of maturity. It's also a matter of balance. If the child were to be more engaged with the video game than his friends, then there might be a cause for worry but all in all, a game is just entertainment.
Kimmeh
The Beautiful German | Posted 12/10/08 | Reply
@Indi:
Yeah it wasn't supposed to be anything terribly long. Like I told a couple other people, I had to also write a 5-10 page paper along with this. THAT goes a lot more into depth about the argument. This was just a quick public statement to try and get the audience to think more about the issue and what the real problems are behind it.
But thanks. I enjoyed reading your two cents. :)
"This is Schweinsteiger fashion. ZIS IZ FASHUNN."
Indi
Dr. Mama Cat. (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/10/08 | Reply
It’s an old argument; however, as distasteful as it is, there is some creditability to the claims that violent video games contribute to real violence. Now before you jump in here and object to what I am saying (not you Kimmeh since you’re points are similar), keep in mind that the key phrase here will be that it is but a contributing factor, if and only if, certain conditions are met.
It isn’t that the game made them violent; it’s that the decision to be violent was made and the video games only gave them a means to see how to possibly go about it. The game has nothing to do with a child becoming violent, but if one is in a surrounding where they are already predisposed towards such behavior, then playing such games only feeds into that.
Saying they are psychologically unwell only scratches the surface of a very complex problem. Even that is a generalization since plenty of children are considered unwell and yet would still not resort to violence. So that’s a oversimplification as well.
Parental involvement can of course reduce the risk, if there is any, but nothing is certain and there is no such thing as saying the issue will go away if they become more involved. You do what you can to reduce the risk and hope that it is enough.
The only complaint I would have against this is though it does cover the basics, it feels like you didn’t get into any serious depth with this topic. But I don’t know what your requirements for this were so that kind of makes the point moot.
~Crystia
AkaiAme
Grand Otaku | Posted 12/08/08 | Reply
I do agree, I don't think Games cause acts of violence really. I think that people are sensible enough, though it does depend somewhat on maturity. I sometimes think that people can be a little less sensitive to violence if they see it a lot on tv and games...which I guess isn't good. But that doesn't make people go about acting like pyscho's. I think they must already have been pyscho's to begin with. So I guess people that are a little...unstable shouldn't play violent games. But I don't believe it would affect anyone else.
Though to be fair my comment about people becoming less sensitive to things like that might not be at all true. I am one of those overly sensitive people who can't watch or play anything even mildly violent...I just can't cope with it ^_^; Though I think there are some people who are a little too fine with it haha.
I totally agree that parents need to spend more time with their children, I think that would help a lot. I also think it's strange that Video Games get all this bad press for being bad for children...when things on TV can be just as violent. If not more-so at times. Surely that would have the same effect?
This article is well written, and it's very interesting ^_^ Thanks for a good read.
twilight samurai
Redeemed (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/08/08 | Reply
Greetings, Kimmeh.
This was a very well written essay - strong and straight to the point. You also did well with keeping it flowing, i.e. you didn't go off on any bunny trails. You also used good diction, proper grammar and mechanics (Though I saw a couple possible mess ups... But that could just be me and my idiosyncrasies.)
As for your subject, I've heard this come up at different times, wheter in the media or elsewhere. It's a popular topic in the gaming world. You approached the matter from two different perspectives: one from the view point that violent games do lead to violent actions, and the other view point saying violent games do not lead to violent actions. I could see good points made by both sides.
I have to agree with you though - I think it really boils down to the parents' involvement (or lack thereof) that leads to any violent actions by kids. Certainly, in the end, the child makes the final decision for his actions, which is why it is evermore important for parents to guide their children in the right way.
Excellent essay, Kimmeh! If I were a teacher, you'd get an A! Haha! :D
Miss Anonymous
Vagrant AI (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/08/08 | Reply
I believe this whole argument can be summed down to maturity level. Indeed, that's why there's a rating system, foolish parents who buy MA games for their 10-year-olds.
But, one could also say with that argument that even though someone can legally buy an MA rated game, they may still not be mature enough to handle it or respond appropriately.
I do believe that's a perfectly legitimate argument. However, even given that, and even saying that for some kids these games are heavily influential, that still only proves that it's a case-by-case situation.
[/my two cents]
Mizukage
Otaku Legend | Posted 12/07/08 | Reply
Yeah, a lot of adults are just so quick to judge video games. Anyone with a basic sense of morality would be able to tell between right and wrong, reality and fantasy. Even games like Grand Theft Auto have their own inconsistencies. The main character keeps committing terrible crimes and always gets away with it... and rather easily too. Within these games, the judicial system doesn't even exist! I'm sure most kids would be smart enough to know what kind of trouble they can get into when they commit such crimes =/
Although we now have next-gen consoles which churn out such realistic visuals, in-game violence/blood/gore can never be as real and as horrifying as those in reality itself. I'm very used to playing games with lots of blood and dismembered body parts splattered all over the screen, and I hardly cringe at those. But in real scenarios, even the slightest gore can freak me out o_O Well, the whole point is, you can unleash gory violence with a controller, but actually carrying out the act itself in reality... is a whole different story!
As for those who keep pushing for bans on violent games, I think this one can shut them up: If video games with violent/gory content should be banned, how about we do the same to every single movie or TV show that fall under the same category?
... hypocrites >_>
haseo luver92
Otaku Legend | Posted 12/07/08 | Reply
wow, i've been trying to make this argument for years (my parents yet to believe me as well as a few teachers). personally, for me at the very least, violent video games actually decrease any violent tendencies that i may have just because i then "vent" my anger through the game, and i know i'm not the only person out there that does that.
my only argument that my comply with the opposing, is stuff like "grand theft auto" which does place you in the role of the "bad guy" going around and doing illegal things and beating up police and so forth and so on, that i think should be limited, because even though older teenagers may realize that you shouldn't do stuff like that, it is a bit influential to the "younger" sibling, so to speak.
that's it though, my i'm in total agreement with the rating system idea and the fact that parents need to sit down with their kids and explain the reason why, because luckily for my parents, who did just say flat out "no" and it did have the opposite effect on me, i was able to figure out the ratings for myself and why they were bad...and for the most part that doesn't happen...i think. could be wrong (more often than not i usually am. ^^;)
yah, i'm stop rambling now. lol
haseo
Kimmeh
The Beautiful German | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
@kita mikichi:
I wrote an argumentative essay on this topic, and this was my last step of the project. I had to post an argument on a public forum.
I've written a full 7 page paper on the issue myself, so I know what you mean. :)
Thanks for reading it.
"This is Schweinsteiger fashion. ZIS IZ FASHUNN."
kita mikichi
Chibi Artist Girl (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
It's funny to find this type of article posted considering that I wrote a big essay for school that dealt with this very topic!
The issue is a really complicated one and you're right that some people who only look at it from one angle aren't seeing the whole picture. Really, both sides have valid points: for one, kids who play violent video games have probably already had violent tendencies, but on the other hand, violent video games reward players for violence and make it look good. So it's hard to find a straight solution to the problem. But I agree, parents have a lot to do with it.
I really like your article. It's well-written and well-supported and I totally agree that it really comes down to parents spending time with their kids and explaining why their kids shouldn't play certain games. Nice job! ^-^
Linden Rathan
Otaku Eternal | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
great post kimmeh! and i agree 100% with that bill blake dude i think that the children were already in a hostile environment and those thoughts were already there and playing the video game just gave them a chance to act out what they had already though! and i also agree 100% with you also kimmeh if the parents would spend more time with the child and explain things then the negative effects of the game should be cancelled out if there are any! again great post kimmeh!
Tsukasaluver
Otaku Legend | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
I couldn't have said that any better. People always blame violent video games on why a student go's into a school and shoot students dead, but the real problem is not how the student got the game but how they got the gun. America has a completely undeniable lust for guns, and no one ever addresses this problem. Why does America love guns? Simple, turn on the news at night and there will always be a report about a murder, drowning, shooting, or anything horrible. The amount of crime in America has decreased, but the amount of crime being reported on the news has increased by 400%. This extreme increase in these horrible stories has left America scarred and paranoid. If anything, the true heads of this problem is children getting their hands on guns, the media drilling violence, rape, and drugs into our minds everyday on the news, and parents actually spending time with their kids. These are the true problems going on related to this.
jannycats
Otaku Legend | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
I agree that parents should be on the lookout of what their child is playing if the kid is prone to become violent. Other than that I'm sure that video games don't cause people to suddenly turn violent, I mean I love gore and violence in vid games and I sometimes imagine myself acting like a psycho person but I know better, so I just leave it at that and not let it leak into my real behavior. People have a brain and they know better than to let themselves influenced so easily.
red tigress
Raid Boss (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
I think only ninnies who have never been within 90 feet of a console in their life think video games causeviolence. You don't have to tell us. ;) I thought it was interesting what the one scientist said about children who gravitate towards the games already have some weird psychological thing going on. I haven't necessarily heard that argument before. But you obviously did your research, so awesome pawsome.
Cause I mean, if video games seriously caused violence, I know a lot of middle-aged women that would be be building bombs because they played too much Minesweeper on Windows. Yeeeeup, Windows is in actuality responsible for the Vietnam War. And it was carried out by 45 year old suburbia women. Little known fact there.
Nice job, enjoyable read.
The Shirt
Otaku Eternal | Posted 12/05/08 | Reply
Long time no see. It's about time someone posted something about this matter. I'm all for the Blake man.. He's right on point because hell, I play SmashBros, Soul Calibur IV, and other fighting games a lot. But you don't see me going to the Library and jamming a lance down a staff members throat in the name of Athens. ::*shakes head*:: Some people just have issues. :
I mean if that were the case.. that the things we play and watch influence us so absolutely as they claim, then shoot, I'd be all bisho-bisho from some of the animes I watch. ::*cringes*:: Especially with you in your earlier days squealing about Vincent's and Renji's hotness. You even got me to admit it once.. But I'm still straight. :D So it all depends on the person's mindset. :]
Great post, Kimmeh-chan. I missed you~ X3