Video Games and Violence: Examining the Link Between Gaming and Aggressive Behavior in Youth
Overview
This essay examines the claim that violent video games are a primary cause of mass shootings and youth violence. The author argues that while video games may have minor influences on aggression, they are not the primary factor in mass killings, and that other systemic issues such as gun access, parenting failures, and gun legislation are more significant contributors to violence in America.
What this essay covers
- Introduction: Presents the debate around video games and violence following mass shootings, establishing the central question of causation
- Counter-argument and personal perspective: Challenges Professor Hull's research findings with personal experience and statistical evidence showing reduced youth violence despite increased video game sales
- International comparison and systemic factors: Argues that mass killings are primarily a US phenomenon despite global video game consumption, pointing to gun access as a more significant factor
- Conclusion: Synthesizes arguments that video games cannot be the primary cause given the existence of non-violent games and other contributing societal factors
Preview
Name: Hanyu Tian Professor: Christine Tinnesz
Class: Com300 Student Number: 50197513
Video Games and Violence
During summer last year, a mass shooting happened in Texas and Ohio, killing 31 people. President Trump condemned the “glorification of violence in our society,” especially the “the gruesome and grisly video games that are now commonplace.” Some claims and arguments suppose that video games are the major causes of violent behavior among teenagers. Gun violence is attributed to the rise in violent video games.
The biggest question is whether the risk of participating in gun violence are enhanced by increased exposure to video games. If video games contribute to violent behavior, it equally implies that removing these games will reduce the rates of mass shootings.
There are no straightforward responses to these claims. While there are investigations that have proved increased aggression from playing video games, there is still no confirmation that mass shooting is directly linked to increased participation in video games.
Psychologist and brain scientist, Professor Hull, from Dartmouth College experimented and established that video games cause violence. As a persistent video game player, I think the outcome of the investigation is not true. I have played games such as GTA5, call of duty, and csgo. Although these games are violent, I am usually not immersed in any violence content. I have never expressed any form of aggression to any individual because I participate in video games for recreation and passing the time when I am alone.