video games and violence

Protectionist · Dec 20, 2012

There are reports that Adam Lanza (Sandy Hook shooter) was an avid video gamer, including the bloody "Call of Duty" series. No one has made any connection between the video games and the shooting (as yet), and neither do I, but I would say, that I think it's possible that some of those games could push an unstable young person a bit too far.

I'm very much for free speech, but I'm also for protection of the American people, and you do what you have to do. The free speech part of the first amendment does have exceptions to it for protective purposes (ex. slander, libel, perjury, sedition, fighting words, inciting a riot, yelling fire in a crowded theater, etc). This could, at least, stand some scrutiny.

chris7375 · Dec 20, 2012

Protectionist said:
There are reports that Adam Lanza (Sandy Hook shooter) was an avid video gamer, including the bloody "Call of Duty" series. No one has made any connection between the video games and the shooting (as yet), and neither do I, but I would say, that I think it's possible that some of those games could push an unstable young person a bit too far.

I'm very much for free speech, but I'm also for protection of the American people, and you do what you have to do. The free speech part of the first amendment does have exceptions to it for protective purposes (ex. slander, libel, perjury, sedition, fighting words, inciting a riot, yelling fire in a crowded theater, etc). This could, at least, stand some scrutiny.

I would have to say you are correct. I am 37 and an avid gamer I like them because they are fun to play. I have two children and I follow the ESRB rating on the games and they can only play within their age limit.

I think to much is put on the media that is out today and not enough on the failures of the parents with their children.

blurinoctober · Dec 20, 2012

People who say these things are using video games as scapegoats, that's all there is to it. Playing a game will not make you go out and shoot people, just like reading Stephen King won't make you a killer (or a murder victim for that matter). It's curious that no one ever blames graphic books for anything, only newer media.

Whichever form, I cannot blame media for someone killing people, I can only blame the person.

wintermint · Dec 22, 2012

Video games? As compared to physical games, video games involve little if any physical activity, also can most likely be at individual level i.e, without any team work, also without any live social and physical interaction therefore may contribute to obesity, problems in social interaction and adjustment, problems in physical development, eye strain, selective hearing frequency loss, introvert nature etc.

Your question has potential for a post doctoral thesis research project and can be helpful to the humanity at large. nice!

clax · Dec 24, 2012

Schmidt said:
oh oh you're funny. not really if you're getting the message. no one falls asleep during the lord of the rings and if you're saying the plot line is bad then you are hopeless

I guess i am hopeless, I like horror movies and historic movies.

clax · Dec 24, 2012

I personally think violence in entertainment is a reflection of our violent culture. Really in entertainment the key is giving people what they want. Where i don't find it healthy to play video games that are gory or sadistic, I do care for a teenaged boy, he has other teenaged boys as friends, they all talk about video games or skating. I bought him skates for Christmas.

They play them, I have talked to him about them. He says he really doesn't like them that much, his little man dies so quickly he gets frustrated with them quick. But he likes the bonding time with his peers. So I feel like as long as I talk to him about it and understand his feelings and keep communication lines open. He hasn't mentioned wanting one, he is far more into fashion and clothing than video games I can't imagine him spending any money of his own on more than the most in fashion bluejeans but video games are definitely part of any teenagers life weather you allow them in your home or not.

I feel the technology is best understood as tools and not the reason for existence. I frankly don't like the constant texting. I got him an unlimited phone plan but man it seems like that phone is connected to his thumbs. But he is a teenager alas they do things adults don't like, I think that is a rule.

chris7375 · Dec 24, 2012

clax said:
I personally think violence in entertainment is a reflection of our violent culture. Really in entertainment the key is giving people what they want. Where i don't find it healthy to play video games that are gory or sadistic, I do care for a teenaged boy, he has other teenaged boys as friends, they all talk about video games or skating. I bought him skates for Christmas.

They play them, I have talked to him about them. He says he really doesn't like them that much, his little man dies so quickly he gets frustrated with them quick. But he likes the bonding time with his peers. So I feel like as long as I talk to him about it and understand his feelings and keep communication lines open. He hasn't mentioned wanting one, he is far more into fashion and clothing than video games I can't imagine him spending any money of his own on more than the most in fashion bluejeans but video games are definitely part of any teenagers life weather you allow them in your home or not.

I feel the technology is best understood as tools and not the reason for existence. I frankly don't like the constant texting. I got him an unlimited phone plan but man it seems like that phone is connected to his thumbs. But he is a teenager alas they do things adults don't like, I think that is a rule.

There are a few games I allow my kids to play as long as I am around. SO me we play together. We have fun doing it we spend time together we laugh as we are playing. I also talk to them they know the games are not real but some of the violence portrayed in them can be real. I tell them that no matter how mad people make them it is not the right response to hurt someone.

On the flip side I also tell them that if someone tries to hurt them that they have every right to defend themselves to protect themselves.

As far as the phone goes it would seem talking and hearing a real voice is overrated. My daughter promptly told me I don the something. I asked her how she said what do you think you do on your forum. Little smart ass got me with that lol.

clax · Dec 29, 2012

chris7375 said:
There are a few games I allow my kids to play as long as I am around. SO me we play together. We have fun doing it we spend time together we laugh as we are playing. I also talk to them they know the games are not real but some of the violence portrayed in them can be real. I tell them that no matter how mad people make them it is not the right response to hurt someone.

On the flip side I also tell them that if someone tries to hurt them that they have every right to defend themselves to protect themselves.

As far as the phone goes it would seem talking and hearing a real voice is overrated. My daughter promptly told me I don the something. I asked her how she said what do you think you do on your forum. Little smart ass got me with that lol.

When I am with my family I leave the gadget in my pocket, that boy of mine whips it out moves his fingers like lighting and then he is suck. I think I an going to have a no phone time in the near future, like that movie I am number four.

ThirdTerm · Dec 29, 2012

There are millions of teens who play violent video games on a daily basis and there is no confirmed link between school shootings and video games which are blamed for promoting violent culture and most sane people can tell the difference between entertainment and their real lives and Adam Lanza had many other personal issues leading up to the shooting rampage and he snapped because he was about to be institutionalised.

chris7375 · Dec 30, 2012

clax said:
When I am with my family I leave the gadget in my pocket, that boy of mine whips it out moves his fingers like lighting and then he is suck. I think I an going to have a no phone time in the near future, like that movie I am number four.

When I got hurt I had to get rid of her phone so she now uses mine. So she has limited amount of time to text on it.

tdbatista · Jan 30, 2013

To say that violent video games makes people violent?

Soon I became mayor, I will go around and kill turtles giving hadouken leap with me and brave with a sword somewhere with monsters for XP then!

clax · Jan 30, 2013

tdbatista said:
To say that violent video games makes people violent?

Soon I became mayor, I will go around and kill turtles giving hadouken leap with me and brave with a sword somewhere with monsters for XP then!

Violent entertainment is the reflection of violent culture

tdbatista · Jan 30, 2013

To me, human beings have always liked the violence in many parts of the world there are ways and even sports (like martial arts) to play it out this natural instinct of man.

I myself always liked fighting games, shooting, and it never made me become violent, and millions of people around the world play and also not become violent ...

There are things that really make people violent, such as childhood trauma, family problems, dangerous ideologies and sects, paranoias and fears, that is what makes an ordinary person to do crazy things.

myp · Jan 30, 2013

Good post tdbatista. A lot of it has to do with things like socioeconomic background and upbringings as well as plain and simple mental disorders. I don't buy the ruined culture hypothesis.

clax · Jan 30, 2013

tdbatista said:
To me, human beings have always liked the violence in many parts of the world there are ways and even sports (like martial arts) to play it out this natural instinct of man.

I myself always liked fighting games, shooting, and it never made me become violent, and millions of people around the world play and also not become violent ...

There are things that really make people violent, such as childhood trauma, family problems, dangerous ideologies and sects, paranoias and fears, that is what makes an ordinary person to do crazy things.

Yes, I agree, that is what I meant by culture.

I played racing games, but I never street raced

tecoyah · Jan 31, 2013

Violence seems an inherent aspect of human nature...actually all of nature. There seem certain individuals more prone to the fall back position (less mentally evolved), and thus more likely to be effected by outside stimulation which leads to violent acts.
Video Games, Stress, relationships, whatever....who knows what will flip the switch. I very much doubt a video game has more impact than a dickish boss, or a controlling mother.

clax · Jan 31, 2013

tecoyah said:
Violence seems an inherent aspect of human nature...actually all of nature. There seem certain individuals more prone to the fall back position (less mentally evolved), and thus more likely to be effected by outside stimulation which leads to violent acts.
Video Games, Stress, relationships, whatever....who knows what will flip the switch. I very much doubt a video game has more impact than a dickish boss, or a controlling mother.

I agree completely

video games and violence

Similar threads