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Videogame Violence

T

Thrash

2[H]4U
Joined
May 23, 2000
Messages
3,405
Friends,

I'm in the middle of writing a huge research paper on videogame violence. I'd like some outside opinions as well--what's your take on the whole debacle (I'm sure you know what I'm talking about)? What do you think would be a wise solution? Do you have any interesting web-links or other resources that pertain to the topic?

Serious replies only, please, as I don't have the time to waste.
 
I feel that the video game violence or any type of violence isnt terrible as long as the parent(s) are doing their job. I wasnt allowed to see anything really graphic until I was older and then when I did, I was given the talk before and after.
 
Simple, if parents did their responsibility as parents and monitored their kids activies, games, movies then this would not be an issue like it is now.

Case in point, I am very fortuante to have had two very loving and caring parents that monitored what I watched when I was young. I was not permitted on AOL after certain hours, no PG-13 movies or R rated. I was only allowed to play doom after we had a talk about real life and play violence.

As such, I've played some of the goriest games possible, but im in no way shape or form going to go out and blow somebodys head off or go in a shooting spree at my former high school as a result. Why? Because I was taught right from wrong, the result of consequences when doing wrong stuff as well as taught religious beliefs.

All I can say is Thanks Mom and Dad, for caring about me and my sister after all these years. This is something SOOOO many kids these days are not getting from their parents or even have stable parents in general in their lifes and its very sad to see our society fallen to this point.

I"ll leave it at that.
 
I smacked my brother in the head with a 'Keystone Kapers' cartridge once.

We both turned out fine.
 
imho
parents need to pick up the responsability they used to have.
folks let their young and impressionable children play violent games. imo, violence in media influences kids. they start to become desensitized to violence.

its not just games...its all forms of media that add to the problem.
when kids get to the point where they can realize that such behavior is unacceptable then parents need to reason if they should allow such things in their childrens minds. and im not suggesting they do one or the other. but most parents just dont care.

there are plenty of studies that support both ends of the story. but i can say my child wont be having to worry with such things(if i can help it, which i can ^_^ ) i would rather my kid be worrying about kid things like why i wont allow him to play in the rain. thats just me tho.

;)
 
I have been playing games like doom and such since I was like in 3rd or 4th grade, before then even...

I was allowed to watch r rated movies when I was like in 1st or 2nd grade.

I was buying explicit lyrics music at like age 13.

My parents didn't say much about it. I didn't go to school and try to shoot people with a bfg 9000 or think I was invinsible.

What it lies on is the parents shoulders, it is how the child is brought up and the decisions the child makes. My parents where there 24/7, since my dad owns his bisuiness and we lived above it til they got divorced, then, it was my grandma keeping tabs...
 
I was raised in a different society to most of you guys (im australian). We tend to not have laws where you can't spank your kid on their naughty ass or face the law :rolleyes:

Parents just need to discipline their kids and grow up to the responsibility. A smack is more effective than ritalin.

Violence in movies, music, games and other observational entertainment only leads to violence in the real world if your kids are nutcases in the first place. A little more attention would take note of the kid being screwed in the head.

I was brought up to be responsible for my actions. I saw my first real violent movie (it was kickboxer or bloodsport... I still cringe at that shin incident) when I was about 9 or 10. Saw my first tit at the age of about 11. My parents didn't condone it, and they allways told me that it was unacceptable and blah blah blah. But its a function of the American society of what I've seen (I've been living here for a year and have had close relations with american families throughout my life). I am thankfull for all those smacks on the bum that I received as a youngen (it later developed into "you little bastard, you hurt my feelings" emotional stuff - which works better when the kid has the ability to realise the effects of their actions [a sign of good parenting also] - groundings never work - the kid doesn't learn from groundings, they just take the punishment).

Now, admittedly, I've never had any social problems, but the "unpopular kids" at schools, are generally the smarter, more down to earth ones anyway. So that shouldn't be blamed.

For violence in media to trigger a real life event, there have to be screws loose and the parents must have realised something - or they should be held liable.

Its a social problem more than a personal enjoyment one imo.
 
Originally posted by sir_patax


Parents just need to discipline their kids and grow up to the responsibility. A smack is more effective than ritalin.

.
Click to expand...

I still remember being chased down with my moms lether belt that had a nice hunk of metal in it...What lows did you say we had? I also remember not being able to sit after a thrashing.

Or how about my dad would find out we did someting, and say after church your going to get it, so, for 8hrs you think about it get home and boom. What laws did you say there where?
 
My opinion is that 90% of people's views on videogame violence are worthless, because those people are idiots.

How many many many times will you see people say "I played violent games, and I turned out alright?" Or how rare is it to see any responsibility placed on anything OTHER than the parents?

In short, it's just a lack of knowlege that lets people so easily cast responsibility on the parents, and pretend that somehow games will only have an influence on those without parental guidence. Being exposed to a violent act is being exposed to a violent act, and that cannot be changed, no matter the amount of control a parent has over a child. The parent is just another influence that will mold the child.

Idiots of the world, I beg you to heed these words, and adopt this much more reasonable and realistic view of influences. Quit sticking your head in the sand and saying "it's the parents," as if things could be so clear-cut.

Here's a short, persuasive research paper on the topic. Not one of my best works, but some simple ammunition to help anyone defend their gaming habits.
Videogames Are Good
 
Originally posted by sc0tty8
I still remember being chased down with my moms lether belt that had a nice hunk of metal in it...What lows did you say we had? I also remember not being able to sit after a thrashing.

Or how about my dad would find out we did someting, and say after church your going to get it, so, for 8hrs you think about it get home and boom. What laws did you say there where?
Click to expand...

you misread my point. a smack, is not a beating. what your talking about is child abuse the world over.

and lord: the parents are to blame imo for not being able to see the kid's mental state. Games don't impact a normal child one way or another imo.
 
Originally posted by kennyfett
I smacked my brother in the head with a 'Keystone Kapers' cartridge once.

We both turned out fine.
Click to expand...

<3
keystone kapers is awesome!
i have some fond memories of playing it :D
 
Like Icewindius, I have had 2 loving and caring parents, and I they have always given me the attention that I needed and guided me in the right direction. Because of that, they knew that I was more mature and could make my own choices about what I did, because they knew that I would make the right ones.

As far as video games go, they are a catharsis for me. There is nothing better after a long day of work or school than sitting down at my PC and squishing people with a manna (UT2k4) or shooting someone with my sniper rifle (BF1942). It just makes me feel better. Now because that makes me feel better doesn't mean that I am going to go out and toss a frag grenade in the middle of a hallway full of people to get "points".

Like most of the others have said, it really is the responsibility of the parents. Most parents do not believe in spankings and therefore end up with wild kids. After I got them, you better believe that I learned from them. Today, parents ground their kids. They send them into their rooms with their PC, playstation, xbox, and big screen TV. If I were still that age, I would beg to be grounded. The problem comes in when the parents don't take on their responsibility and let the media raise their kids and where all they know is killing, sex, swearing, etc.

Hopefully, our input has helped you with your project, Thrash. Best of luck.
 
Many thanks; it's always nice to view the situation from another's point of view, even if it is the same point of view as you hold. Should be useful.

Keep the posts coming.
 
I've never had a problem seperating reality from video games. Never felt like re-enacting scenes from doom in school or anything of the sort.

I remember back in school however that kids would re-enact cartoons. When TMNT first started, people would run around thinking they too were ninja turtles.

I'd hesitate to blame much of anything upon video games in particular. Will I let my kids play violent video games? Certainly, as long as I'm sure they too can seperate reality from video games.
 
Im doing almost the exact same research paper and was stuck. It's due in 8 days. You guys kick major ass! :)
 
A couple of thoughts on this subject.

Let's be clear on one point, it is the parents fault. No, I am suggesting that a parent can watch their child 24/7 but consider the average child's lifestyle today in U.S. Many children have a private bedroom with some combination of a TV, VCR, game systems and/or PC. The child is not only allowed access to this media in the privacy of their bedroom but this media used by the parents as a tool help manage the Child's time. In many of these same homes both parents work so the mass media becomes a mother, father and surrogate teacher. Combine this with the early marketing that starts at birth (Baby Gap, etc). By the time these children are in first grade they are already conscious of the brand of the clothes they wear or don't wear. Consumption becomes a defining role of character and status. When so much of child rearing is left to those with nothing but avarice designs is it a surprise that basic concepts of empathy, morality, or critical thinking are glossed over?

So it is almost comical to discuss the effect of one small aspect of media consumption by children when even if we were to ban this one piece of the goliath it would have little impact. Because in the end there is only two thing that helps to prevent mindless violence food in your belly and a sense of empathy for your fellow man. But that won't help you acquire that new pair of khakis or fast car.

Now the question could be raised that both parents must work to survive in the current economy. But this is simply not true. If we are talking about food, shelter and basic needs it is definitely not needed. But it is to be a good consumer and maintain status with all of the unnecessary toys that we all love. In fact these sort of sacrifices were exactly what people did for ages in this country and still do else where. As example, walk the worst slum in the U.S. and you will not see a starving people, not even in those waiting in line at soup kitchens or the homeless that sleep in the streets, all are as fat as the pigeons on the sidewalk, but instead you find people angry about not having the newest sneakers, cars, homes etc. Walk the worst shanty town in Mexico and you will see people struggling to gather enough food.

So what we are seeing is a direct result of choices made by parents. Granted not just the current parents but generations as the family structure has collapsed in this country (specifically extend family networks living in one home).

For the most part the only functioning families in the U.S. are emigrant families that are a generation away from being boiled down and indoctrinated on excess.

That said, realize saying this is like being a wet blanket a wild group sex party. But laws will not help in this matter as profit will always succeed over prohibition. But here are couple practical rules that any family can follow:

1) No mass media devices in the child's room with the exception of music. The media devices are kept in a common public room.

2) Discuss content with your children.

3) Limit use to a reasonable amount.

4) One parent is does not work or works limited hours that does not impact child care.

5) Talk to your children. You are the teacher not the care taker.

6) Remember the most important lesson you can teach a child is empathy and that starts with them understanding how you think.

7) Instill critical thinking as soon as your child starts talking. It's the one survival tool you can give your child. Don't cheat them of the best self-defense weapon you can give them.

These are not radical ideas and a some families already do these things but far many more do not.
 
Great posts Papa and Lutho,

I agree with almost everything you both said. Most of all the point about "parents" not spanking there kids, and what that results in. Sorry if this 'offends' the limpwristed out there, but spanking works. I am both product and practitioner of spanking a child for wrong doings, but with all good things, it is best in moderation.
 
Originally posted by Lord Chambers
My opinion is that 90% of people's views on videogame violence are worthless, because those people are idiots.

How many many many times will you see people say "I played violent games, and I turned out alright?" Or how rare is it to see any responsibility placed on anything OTHER than the parents?

In short, it's just a lack of knowlege that lets people so easily cast responsibility on the parents, and pretend that somehow games will only have an influence on those without parental guidence. Being exposed to a violent act is being exposed to a violent act, and that cannot be changed, no matter the amount of control a parent has over a child. The parent is just another influence that will mold the child.

Idiots of the world, I beg you to heed these words, and adopt this much more reasonable and realistic view of influences. Quit sticking your head in the sand and saying "it's the parents," as if things could be so clear-cut.

Here's a short, persuasive research paper on the topic. Not one of my best works, but some simple ammunition to help anyone defend their gaming habits.
Videogames Are Good
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:
no comment
 
i have a question for anyone who wants to chime in.
i dont have any problem with someone elses form of entertainment as long as it does not bring harm to someone else,regaurdless of if i would enjoy the same entertainment, first of all.

if games have no influence on adults/children.....
or if you feel that way.
i suppose you would not have a hard time with a game which rewarded activities such as child molestation, child abuse(physicaly/mentally), or how about a really realistic game where you are a terrorist and your job is to murder as many innocents as possible? after all we have games which rewards/is based around murder and other such things that are illegal,and they dont have ANY negative influence,right?. you think about such games would be acceptible, no? oh, and im not suggesting a game that even graphically depicts such acts(molestation/terrorism/ect). but rather it just lets you know what is taking place and sets you up "missions" or whatever you want to call it that you get rewarded for.

would you still think that games have absolutely no influence on people? or if not that, would be appropriate to play at all.

i dont care to see such games. but i cant help but think just as those games would not be good to play(for obvious reasons) other games are not good to play(for not so obvious reasons, maybe?)

like i said, it doesnt hurt my feelings to see someone play a violent game. just sumthin i thought of here in this past 3 minutes.
 
Originally posted by JeanClaude
......... just sumthin i thought of here in this past 3 minutes.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:
Says it all right there.
 
Its really hard to say. Most of the kids and parents I sell games to know its just a game. I think it comes down to mental stability.

My parents were both supportive and strict, I had to go through a whole bunch of shit before I could go see R rated movies or even curse mildly.

That rigor showed me what was right and wrong, and how being exposed to these graphic things were only for certain people.

To a certain degree, I have been desensitised to violence. I mean I laugh and thoroughly enjoy games with realistic action and violence, that really take it a step further.

The enjoyment is that some one has translated what you wanted to happen in a game or a suprise that you didnt expect to happen. I appreciate the code and the developers ideas and respect the content.

I showed my mother a part from Doom III where a monster eats this dead guy and it shows his guts and shit being ripped out, then the man who was just ate proceeds to get up and attack you, to me that is some funny and cool shit. My mother almost got physically ill, and she felt bad for about an hour and said things like that should be outlawed.

She like other baby boomer parents dont know games and how far they have gone pushing the envelope of realism in unrealist situations.

I think its fine to play and make games like this, but the parents, upbringing and education of the child are a crucial an intrical part of that acceptance.
 
I really do not know what to say about it. I mean, I am a 14 year old who plays UT series, Half-Life, UT2004 and you get the point. After reading this thread, I have found I don't play them as much as I do still love them, but yet - I have the fear of turning out of what people have mentioned. I just spoke with my mother about this topic yesterday and previous times before and I told her. "If you feel that it is reaching certain limits, stop me. I do not want to turn into any of those monstrocities." Yet, I do not. So, I still sit with the fear of it. At my school, every year they have a sensitization program. I like playing the games but as I said before I don't want to become a violent child. Although, my family does have it's ups and downs.
 
Originally posted by Tiny
Great posts Papa and Lutho,

I agree with almost everything you both said. Most of all the point about "parents" not spanking there kids, and what that results in. Sorry if this 'offends' the limpwristed out there, but spanking works. I am both product and practitioner of spanking a child for wrong doings, but with all good things, it is best in moderation.
Click to expand...

Here,here! I too am from the generation where getting swatted was normal, even at school. I used to have, to cut my own switch and it better have been a good one or, you would get it twice as, bad. While at the time I hated it, in the long run it taught me the consequences of doing wrong.
We didnt have videogames violnece we had the real thing. Like playing army with BBguns and, swordfighting with sticks. And most of us didnt turn out to be mass murderers.
People it seems are always looking for someone to blame for, their childrens bad behavior. Or for the reason that they are having problems in their lives. It is a way of not looking to oneself for faults or, for lack of effort. I had a friend whos mom always blamed me for her sons discrections. Even when he got arrested for shoplifting and, I was already out of the store with my paid goods. People dont want to see reality and, so they need scapegoats.
I use videogame violence for relaxation because, my work is highly stressful. Nothing like shooting non-existant people to feel so, much better. It isnt like I will ever imitate it in real life. Especially game like GTA in traffic. WHich I could easily do with my concrtepump, it weighs 87,000 lbs. But thinking about doing it makes me laugh in gridlock.:D
 
I wonder if playing GTA:VC will affect me, when trying to get a Driver's Permit. I played the game for a little while got bored and restored the gb on my hard drive. I just hope that I will not become corrupted.
 
Originally posted by Finsta
I wonder if playing GTA:VC will affect me, when trying to get a Driver's Permit. I played the game for a little while got bored and restored the gb on my hard drive. I just hope that I will not become corrupted.
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Yes, and I too fear of my uncontrollable actions after playing BubbleBobble....every time I see a monster, I wish to trap them in a bubble.






:rolleyes: Seriously.....this child personifies today's youth.
 
ive done alot of thinking on the subject. my opinion is that videogames do not make people violent. my opinion is that playing too many videogames makes you socially deficient and such, possibly outcast at school or places of social interaction. this shunning causes them to revert to the only thing that makes them feel big, which can be violence. many people play videogames where you play the role of a tough guy or killer or something like that. (soldier of fortune, metal gear solid, grand theft auto, etc) and they feel powerful and important.

ive been playing videogames since ive been about 3, but my parents always made sure that i didnt play too much. my parents kept my nintendo and later sega in their room so they could monitor and control what games and for how often my brothers and i played. it was not until i was older and understood not to let games dominate my life that they could be kept in my room.

my parents also played games with me, which encouraged gaming as a wholesome activity in which the family can gather and interact. 2 player games like tetris, blades of steel, and tecmo bowl are examples of games that my parents would play. (my mom still has a thing for the tetris music)

as far as i am concerned videogames are not detrimental to your mental health as long as you are taught to understand the difference between reality and virtual reality.

another point that i experience in my personal life is taking out my anger and frustration on virtual punching bags in videogames rather than lashing out in reality. if i feel frustrated why not steal some cars, or bash some skulls, or shoot some nazi scum? i find games rather refreshing after a particularly painful day.

i think videogames have been a all-around positive influence in my life. the only negative side effect is possible game addictions (dont be surprised if videogame counseling starts to become big) and the wasted time when i should be doing school work. although i suppose the same could be said for me typing all this up.

anyway i hope some of this may help you in your research
 
Didn't read every post, but here is my opinion:

The issue about "banning violent video games" by certain politicians is rediculous. People protesting about Grand Theft Auto being to violent and saying that stores should not sell them is just plain stupid. These dumbasses think that children are the only ones playing these violent games, but many are adults.

Controversial games are going through the same thing controversial movies were years ago. People said they were awful for society and tried to get movie makers to stop making these "awful" films, but who won in the end? The movie makers did. That's why people are still able to buy super violent movies and XXX porn and that's why they are still being made.

We should only keep these "bad" games away from ignorant kids. How do we do this? Have their goddamn parents look at the ratings right on the game covers, just like there are ratings on goddamn movies, and have the parents decide if their kids are ready for it or not.

To ban these games and to try to get them removed from store shelves is just gonna bring us one step closer to a society controlled by "big brother".

----------------------------------
On the topic about how violent games make violent children:
It does make children violent if they are ignorant. Again, it's the parents fault if this happens. How to prevents this? Tell the ignorant child that it's just a freakin' video game and to not do it in real life.
---------------------------------
For the guy that said to stop blaming parents for childrens behavior derived from games: Children learn good and bad from their parents and teachers. Where else would they get their morals from? A child doesn't automatically have morals when he/she is born. Therefore, when a children play violent games, they are gonna know that they shouldn't do those violent acts in real life if their parents raised them raised them right. Thus, if a child behaves wrongly after playing a game it's the parents fault for not sitting down and having a chat with their child about how to behave in real life.
 
I believe that when you boil any human psyche down to it's essence you will see a primitive attraction to violence. I also feel that in some ways we need to embrace this facet of ourselves and give it some form of harmless outlet. Sports, video games, music, it doesn't matter--except that we simply cannot repress our natural tendencies that we haven't lost yet through natural evolution. If you think about it there is still a lot of of the hunter/gatherer in society today, just not quite as literally as it was in our cave dwelling days.

The key is finding the limits between sublimating the need for violence and actually acting out the violence in the real world. Parenting becomes and issue since a child's environment plays a large part in shaping his or her personality and though process. This of course relates to a child's peer group and anything else he or she may encounter. The age of the person is also a factor; the earliest stages of development in a person's life are the most important.

Bottom line, keep young children away from violent video games. I don't just mean blood & guts violence but anything combatitive. I don't have an arbitrary age but if a child is old enough to play a structured violent sport like football then he/she is probably old enough to experience the same in a video game.

As always, parents should spend as much time as possible with their children--the more time you spend with your kid(s) the more you will impart to them through actions as well as words. "Don't do that" doesn't cut the mustard, you need to teach by example.

Just my opinion.
 
This just came across the wire today. A big Ooops on the part of big media. This'll get buried in the newspaper, but I'll post it here so y'all can spread the word. The ESRB still isn't perfect, but it's better than what was first reported.

CHICAGO (AP) — In a Feb. 17 story about a study of teen-rated video games that contain content not listed on the label, The Associated Press reported incorrect percentages for various types of content in a sample of 81 games viewed by researchers.

Among the sample, 59 percent, not 20 percent, of games with sexual content including partial nudity listed that content on the label; 50 percent, not 17 percent, of games with profanity listed it on the label; and 8 percent, not 1 percent, of games with depictions of tobacco or alcohol listed that on the label.
 
I don't really see what the parents have to do with anything. I might be living in a different world compared to yours, but I see far more brutal violence in school than I do when playing games. I don't really consider games violent, as they're nothing more but renderings on a screen. I have never considered them more than that, and I've been playing games since I was 4 or so. If someone actually thinks games are realistic to the point where they can be confused with reality there's obviously a problem somewhere in that persons mind.
 
Originally posted by S1N3R6Y
On the topic about how violent games make violent children:
It does make children violent if they are ignorant. Again, it's the parents fault if this happens. How to prevents this? Tell the ignorant child that it's just a freakin' video game and to not do it in real life.
Click to expand...

Originally posted by Ebenol
If someone actually thinks games are realistic to the point where they can be confused with reality there's obviously a problem somewhere in that persons mind.
Click to expand...

These are just two of the choice quotes people always say in videogame violence debates. They are prime examples of completely lacking understanding of how child development works.

I don't profess to be an expert, but after doing the reading and research I've done, I can say with confidence that things aren't as simple as a parent just saying "That's fake, it's not real."

I urge unqualified people to stop trying to apply their sensibilities to the much more complicated brain. Although in your mind it might be as simple a decision to say "this is fake, and does not apply to the real world at all," it's not the same for a very young child, or even an older child who has other phychological problems clouding the issue.

The approach the average person takes to videogame violence is a lot like some people take to being gay. Prescribe some parental influence, maybe a little beating here or there, whatever it takes to keep the kid in line and knowing what's right and wrong. All dat talk about child development is gobbldegook. A kid chooses to be gay or not, it's as simple as that.

Nowadays the majority of folk realize the issue of being gay isn't so simple. It's not just a choice. Perhaps in the near future people will stop taking an equally unknoweldgible approach to gaming.
 
I don't profess to be an expert, but after doing the reading and research I've done, I can say with confidence that things aren't as simple as a parent just saying "That's fake, it's not real."
Click to expand...

Agreed, but parents DO have to get involved with what their children are playing. It all goes back to what I said earlier in my post about how parents and teachers have to instill morals in children. Children don't grow up with morals and BELIEFS on their own.
 
I just hope I do not end out as a defunct adult. Yet, I can tell the difference whether or not it is right to shoot somebody or not. I have told my parents to control me, on the content. I have asked them to talk about it with me. I play these games, I enjoy them. I don't play Vice City anymore but I still hope it will not affect my future of obtaining a driver's permit or a license.
 
I reckon being able to watch the evening news regularly is far being more desensitized to violence then playing computer games , would love to see someone prove me otherwise. I'ts far more real when you see people in real situation then when blowing away enemies with rpgs on a friggin computer screen.
 
Hey Thrash, I actually just wrote a paper on the same subject, if you're nice to me I might bring a copy of it and some sources to D&D tonight.
 
solution? i didn't know there was a problem.........if you can't even tell what your kids are playing you are a pretty pathetic parent. Really. It's your money. And if the kid made the money through a job, he or she should buy anything they want really, as long as they are above 16 which is when you get your working papers.

Maybe the media should focus on the real problems....i just saw a few people getting shot on a public network at primetime.....
 
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