Violent Video Games

[PVarck31]

Re: Violent Video Games

Exactly.

I also realize my comment could have been taken the wrong way. I was definitely agreeing with you because one in a million are slim chances.

No, I knew you were agreeing with me. I mean we are talking about 1 in millions here. They can't seem to grasp that for some reason.

Like lightning strikes are one in millions so we should ban lightning, and sharks too, for that matter.

To add a serious note, contrary to popular belief the vast majority of the mentally ill are not violent at all. In fact they tend to be less violent than those who are not mentally ill, per capita for lack of a better term.

[snepp]

Re: Violent Video Games

I can't wait until people start blaming crappy sports games for the increasing obesity rate.

I don't know, Madden-induced rage may be legitimate.

[mb625]

Re: Violent Video Games

See, I also think that parenting has everything to do with it. In my house, we always had limits. We had to read a book for at least one hour to get one hour of video game time. No more than two hours a day, no more than two days during the school week (weekends were fine, but, again, couldn't go over two hours a day). Not that I played anything overly violent (most violent I got was NCAA Football... or maybe Sonic. ) But my parents stressed that I needed to be focused on school and learning and not on video games. This has, of course since changed a bit, the whole reading thing doesn't apply to me anymore, still does to my two younger brothers, though. I think that if parents make it abundantly clear that video games are fictional and, in the case of the more violent ones, the actions should not be emulated by the kid, then all our problems will be solved. I think the bigger problem in this particular matter is the lack of parenting. I hear of far too many parents that use the TV and Video Games as a babysitter. Get out of my hair, go play some video games. People seem to be getting the "Facebook Effect" mixed into their regular lives. Wanting anything but facing problems head on and discussing them with the family/kids. That's just my opinion, but, coming from a family that's pretty tight knit (we talk to each other a lot and often have these kinds of discussion) and experiencing that first-hand, I'm glad that I had that experience because I feel as though I am better off for it.

[slickdtc]

So many factors. Violent video games or movies could be a factor for the next crazy shooter, but it won't be the only one. All of his life experiences will influence him.

We can't ban it all, so we have to moderate it. And that's the parenting part. So that's what it comes down to.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Violent Video Games

Maybe I'm speaking out of turn because I'm not yet a parent, but sometimes the best parenting still ends with the same results. The fact of the matter is we still treat mental health like a red-headed step child and keep it under the stairs. It amazes me what some parents go through raising mentally handicapped kids much less single parents or parents of kids that are extremely unstable with violent tendencies. I could not imagine trying to raise a child like that on my own and in a society that glorifies violence at almost every turn.

[chilli311]

Re: Violent Video Games

There HAVE been studies that show violent video games do push people who are pre disposed to violent behavior to act out on it but again, that's not the MAJORITY of people and so because of the outliers people go nuts and blame the entire industry.

I highlighted the key point there. I agree that it's a parenting issue, and I would also add that there is a problem with mental illness diagnoses in this country. That is another huge factor IMO.

By my count 1.

Actually, since Sandy Hook, there have been seven reported mass shootings in the US. This decade (since 2010) there have been 14. In the previous decade (2000-2009), there were 28 total, and 42 in the 90's. Right now, we are on pace for 47.

[daflyboys]

Re: Violent Video Games

I'm gonna say something here that isn't going to sit well with everyone, but it's hard to challenge. Mental health difficulties or not, I would wager that the number one factor contributing to this complex issue is not just simply "parenting" approach, but even larger, the absent father.

[CMH]

Re: Violent Video Games

Actually, since Sandy Hook, there have been seven reported mass shootings in the US. This decade (since 2010) there have been 14. In the previous decade (2000-2009), there were 28 total, and 42 in the 90's. Right now, we are on pace for 47.

Did those people play CoD? I haven't seen any reports about them playing violent video games. I can up the count if they did, but even if all 7 people did commit mass shootings, the rate is comically low compared to the number of users.

[cavsfan2]

Re: Violent Video Games

To me, this is just a part of the culture of excuses that has developed in the USA.

[chilli311]

Re: Violent Video Games

Did those people play CoD? I haven't seen any reports about them playing violent video games. I can up the count if they did, but even if all 7 people did commit mass shootings, the rate is comically low compared to the number of users.

Oh, I don't know about that. I just thought we were talking about how many in general. I know that at least three of the shootings were done by "younger" shooters (teen-mid-20s). I don't recall the details of the others.

[CMH]

Oh, I don't know about that. I just thought we were talking about how many in general. I know that at least three of the shootings were done by "younger" shooters (teen-mid-20s). I don't recall the details of the others.

Those younger ones probably did. I was only commenting on the people that bought and played CoD.


Sent from my mobile device.

[Blitz1942]

Re: Violent Video Games

Violent video games don't make people violent. They may make people who are already prone to violence more prone to violence and aggressiveness, while doing practically nothing to those who aren't prone to violence and aggressiveness.

Here's an article by the American Psychological Association pretty much saying just that: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releas...deo-games.aspx

And the actual reseach paper the article refers to: http://www.tamiu.edu/~cferguson/Vide...201%20Year.pdf

[GT39]

Re: Violent Video Games

During a tragic time people just look to place blame. I grew up watching Daffy Duck get his face shot off just about every episode but I don't go around shooting people. I've played every GTA game released but don't go around stealing cars or beating up people for money. Human nature is to place blame but we are the ones that need to change society. We blame guns or the availability to possess guns not the person themselves but do we blame cars when a drunk driver kills someone, NO!

[oneamongthefence]

I think many parents are in denial about their kids. They choose not see that they have disorders or mental problems. Usually in these cases, the parents were blind to it but it was noticed by others. Whether its because they don't want to feel like a failure as a parent or its easier to not address it we need to start making parents more accountable for their kids actions. Because so many people are parents, its easier to blame everyone but them.

From my fingers to your eyes...

[LingeringRegime]

Re: Violent Video Games

^ Agreed.

Parents are to blame in imho. It's funny that a lot of money is being spent now on the effect that violent video games have on children. When theoretically, "children" aren't supposed to have access to these games. I recall an incident a few years back when I was at Target to buy L.A. Noire when it came out. A little boy about 10 or 11 years old brought his mother in for the sole purpose of getting the game also. They were in front of me in line, and she bought it for him without batting an eye.

Not to mention that some parents are in denial about their kids mental state. Blaming video games is just a feel good measure.