Video Game Violence - Supporting Evidence
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It is alleged that acting out violently in the games leads to aggression and violence in the lives of young players. Since research shows a cause-effect relationship between television violence and aggression, many social scientists have hypothesized that we should expect video games to have a similar if not greater impact.
From the “Joint Statement on the Impact of Entertainment Violence on Children Congressional Public Health Summit, July 26, 2000" (found here):
- The effect of entertainment violence on children is complex and variable. Some children will be affected more than others. But while duration, intensity, and extent of the impact may vary, there are several measurable negative effects of children's exposure to violent entertainment. These effects take several forms.
- Children who see a lot of violence are more likely to view violence as an effective way of settling conflicts. Children exposed to violence are more likely to assume that acts of violence are acceptable behavior.
- Viewing violence can lead to emotional desensitization towards violence in real life. It can decrease the likelihood that one will take action on behalf of a victim when violence occurs.
- Entertainment violence feeds a perception that the world is a violent and mean place. Viewing violence increases fear of becoming a victim of violence, with a resultant increase in self-protective behaviors and a mistrust of others.
- Viewing violence may lead to real life violence. Children exposed to violent programming at a young age have a higher tendency for violent and aggressive behavior later in life than children who are not so exposed.
What has been done to curb video game violence?
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