How Bad are Violent Video Games?

When it comes to violent video games, the player has the freedom to do whatever he or she wants whether its breaking the law or the rewarding violence they get for killing someone. Are these types of video games a necessary strategy for portraying reality to our kids? According to an article, there lists some positive results for violent video games, but mostly negative results violent video games portray.

In her article, Darcia Narvaez conducts a debate between whether or not video games can be good to kids and adults. She begins her article by writing about the positive effects of video games. She states that "playing constructive and prosocial games like Sims can be 'good for you' with at least one caveat--as long as you have a balanced life with real-life face-to-face friendships and enjoyment socializing."(paragraph 4) This is in fact true, it is necessary for people to chat with friends and family because it makes video games more social.

Narvaez then begins to compare the difference that "violent video games have an even more powerful influence than violent television and movies."(paragraph 5) There are three facts she mentions in her comparison:

1. Her statement regarding the growing attachment "in violent video game play, the player learns to associate violence with pleasure (rewards for hunting another character)."(paragraph 6)
2.  Another reason she points out is that "the player practices violent behavior hundreds if not thousands of times, much more practice than normal activities receive."(paragraph 7) One thing she mentions is the main reason for these change in behavior for children is that "violent games teach children how to behave like a criminal and to intentionally hurt others (e.g., burning people alive in Postal2)."(paragraph 7) She even ends her fact with a rhetorical question, "is this what you want your children  to be practicing for hours on end?"(paragraph 7) Her strategy is basically for her audience to decide.
3. She gives scientific results as to how a child's mind develops by playing these violent video games. She proves with her research that "child and adolescent brains are typically susceptible to addictions as their brains are under development till the middle 20's." (paragraph 8) This type of research she provides is true regarding that "recent brain research is suggesting that any addictive behavior (drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, violence) can harm the final stages of brain development in young adults."(paragraph 8) 

These factual evidence provide much reason for parents to be cautious on what they let their kids play. Its very much likely that children will mistaken these types of games as a means of entertainment they've never seen. If children adapt to this type of violence at an early age, it could cause risk for their health and their behavior towards others. 

Resources:

Narvaez, Darcia (2010, November 9). Playing violent video games: good or bad?  
                                                                  Psychologytoday.com.  Retrieved from:     http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201011/playing-violent-video-games-good- or-bad