Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Video games make you LESS violent?

While I, personally, have never felt like killing a hooker and then taking her money after playing Grand Theft Auto 3, the media at large and a bunch of conversative special interest groups would have you believe that IS what kids do after playing such a game. Jack Thompson is of course a big name in this department, and Joseph Lieberman and Hillary Clinton have jumped on the "video games = Satan" bandwagon over the years, but actual research into a causal link between violent video games and real life violence has been surprisingly scant.

Well, a new study in the UK suggests that playing violent video games may calm and violent tendancies of teenagers. Shock and awe! Frustrated after a long day at school or work? Play some Super Smash Bros. Brawl or Army of Two and get that aggression out. You'll apparently feel more relaxed.

I know I do. I play video games partially to relieve stress. I'm certainly not whipped into a murderous frenzy after breaking necks in Metal Gear Solid 3. So these findings don't surprise me at all, but I'm glad a study was finally carried out in this area.

5 comments:

Blue Collar Scientist said...

Actually, my favorite game on our newly-acquired Wii is Wii sports boxing. I hate the sport in real life, but taking out my frustrations on a virtual opponent is a load of fun. And after I'm done, I'm too tired to blow people away in real life, even if I was inclined - which I hasten to add, I am not!

Louis B. said...

I absolutely agree! Nothing like a couple rounds of UT3 or Enemy Territory to cool off after a long day.

Kiara said...

Is this true? I thought engaging in violent games, makes you violent in a way. I am often stressed because of work. I would like to try playing Download Games. Thanks for posting!

Free Games said...

I think it's an interesting facts. But, whatsoever we can't just think that violent Video Games has no negative effects at all for kids. It's too naive, same as the one who thinks that everyone who play violent video games will also do a violent things. I think it depends on each individual.

Unknown said...

Scant it is. Violent games can never be a cause of real life violence. No sufficient proof at all. No matter how these Addicting Games were exposed to players, I don't think they would affect you to much to hurt people.