Are Video Games Too Violent?

Question

I am conducting this survey as part of my research for a paper that I am writing for college. Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks :o)

1) Does the amount of violence in a video game affect your decision to play the game?

2) Do you believe that video games increase aggression in young people or has the problem been exaggerated because of isolated incidents of violence by people who play video games?

3) Does playing video games increase tendencies to violence that are already there?

4) Does the government have the right to regulate which video games young people can buy or do such laws amount to unconstitutional censorship?

Answer 1

1. It only does if that is the particular game I am goingfor. I play several types of games and the key thing to remember is gameplay is most important, not graphics or gore.

2.The problem has been exaggerated. The video game industry now suprasses the movie industry meaning there are milions and billions of players. People like Jack Thompson go on crusades to destroy games and have been defeated everytime. If there was an increase then we would hear about it far more than we do. It is really no different than when people were being robbed for their shoes.

3.No. I am sure that naturally violent people see it as a way to vent their anger without fear of prosecution, however, they most likely do not need the extra incentive to be violent. You could watch a movie and get the same effect. What sets video games apart is that you are actively controlling the character and decide what they do. Take GTA for example, you get to be a criminal and do whatever you want in between missions. You could choose to run over or shoot people. You are not forced to do this, however, it is in the context of the game to do it. It is something you could never do in real life and average player knows this and plays in good fun.

4.No, it does not. There have been several laws passed and struck down as unconstitutional. This really goes back to the movie industry, it puts movies that are far more realistic with violence and sexual content than than any game released and the only safeguard that is provided is a ratings system. The government would most likely never truly pass regulations becuase it would interfere with a parent's right to determine what is best for their child. It has long been government policy not to interfere with the private lives of its people, at least in theory. A parent cant still take an underage child to an R-rated movie without fear of prosecution, just fear of criticism of making a bad choice. It is parental responsibility, not governmental responsibility.

I also must say that these games are fantasy and at the end of the day, no matter how many people were killed or how much blood was shed, no one was really hurt. Germany is constantly banning games due to mature content. It is even to the point where they want to make it illegal to kill a video game character. I wish I had the links to give you with this article, it is surreal.

Answer 2

1) Does the amount of violence in a video game affect your decision to play the game?
no. playability, theme, premise, gendre (sports, shooter, rpg)
2) Do you believe that video games increase aggression in young people or has the problem been exaggerated because of isolated incidents of violence by people who play video games?
i think it allows an outlet for it
3) Does playing video games increase tendencies to violence that are already there?
no
4) Does the government have the right to regulate which video games young people can buy or do such laws amount to unconstitutional censorship?
i agree with a rating system to decide content before purchase but not censorship.

Answer 3

1. No, it doesn't really. I play games ranging from the non violent such as text twist and scrabble online to games that are really violent such as gears of war, counterstrike, and battlefield 2. It really depends on my mood. If I'm stressed with school, then I'll play a violent game.

2. I don't think video games have increased aggression or at least not entirely. Analyze the media and what they air. Lots of violent shootings and images of war are shown.

3. I don't think so. I've played them for over a decade and I'm really nonviolent. It's made me respect the nature of fighting where it's generally the last option. But they may do so for a few people. I think there's a bias from adult researchers. They have not personally undergone the transformation as a result of violent video games such as Halo 2.

4. Governments do have the right to restrict what young people can see. It's like drugs or alcohol with perceived potentially bad consequences. They may be wrong but it's like movies.

Good luck with your paper.

Answer 4

1: Yes, the more the better!
2: I think video games do very little to increase violence in children.
3: I can't imagine a violent video game really bringing out violent tendencies in a child with a propensity towards violence.
4: No.

Answer 5

1) I have young kids so yes I wont buy any that are any higher then T for teen but that is rare I even buy a T. Usually I buy them E for everyone. I dont like my kids seeing people being hurt or killed or run over or shot.

2) I have noticed even with my 6 year olds after they played a spider man game (where he beats people up) they do act a little more aggressive with each other.

3) Well being only 6 and being twins they tend to fight no matter what they are doing. I cant judge how others react to games but I am sure if you play long enough you may forget what is reality and what is fantasy.

4) I think the Gov. should only go as far as posting a rating for games like movies. I think it is up to the parent to judge if a game is appropriate for their own child. I just wish people cared more to pay attention to what their children were doing when buying a game for their kids.

Hope I helped :)

Answer 6

Video games only impact people in such a way if they are susceptible to suggestion. They do not make violent people. Violent people happen to play videogames, but that does not mean videogames caused it. In terms of children, parents must take responsibility. It is the parents purpose to raise their children and to help development. If parents cannot or do not teach their children the difference between fantasy and reality, they're doin a pretty sloppy job. Nevertheless, children imitate what they see, regardless of whether they totally understand it or not, and some children carry videogame experiences with them. Parents have to teach children what is appropriate behaviour, if they cannot, they are at fault more than anything else

Answer 7

Extremely violent given that it's youngsters mostly playing these games. It teaches violence and I beleive it somewhat molds the minds of youth. Yes I think they should definatley be censored age appropriately. They do it for music and in my opinion, words in a song are alot less impressive than actually viewing the violence. I wouldn't allow my children to play these games. We'll stick with Pokemon and PacMan

Answer 8

1) No it doesn't.

2) Yes I do think video games can increase aggression in (impressionable) young people.

3) I would say yes to this also. They would exacerbate existing violent tendencies.

4) Yes they do, they do it with films.
Or they just have to answer to outraged parents/communities as youth crime increases.

Answer 9

1. don't play em, my daughter does.
2. I think a video game will not make an otherwise healthy person do that.
3. yes.
4. yes, the govt has the right.

Answer 10

1. not really, it only depends on how easy the game it.

2. people probably wouldn't make the connection between games and real life if it wasn't for everyone making accusations.

3. no

4. no, its only fun. i think the government controls too much already.