Video Games Don't Contribute To Violence In Real
Life; They May Actually Reduce It
Author: Paul Barron

Video games serve many purposes. They can be used as a form of
entertainment. They can be used as a stress reducer or as a
safer outlet for underlying aggression. Also, they can be used
to increase hand and eye coordination. Video games are good for
the brain. They are much better than sitting in front of a TV
watching a sitcom.

Video games are good for young people because it gives them a
sense of significance in the world. In the real world they have
peer pressure, adult authority figures telling them what to do,
and parents dictating their lives at home. Video games give kids
a chance to take on the world, to solve a seeming serious
problem, or to create something that would be unfeasible in real
life.

Video games does not affect the rate of violence in the real
world. Video games, television shows, books, radio programs,
movies, and magazines are a reflection of society. Video game
companies are in the money making business. If people did not
buy their violent games the video game companies would produce
more family friendly titles.

Video games serve as a pressure release on pent up frustration.
This is not only the case for teens but for adult video game
players as well. Perhaps if a disgruntled employee takes out his
angst on characters on the TV screen instead of his real life
colleagues then things could be improved. If instead of a teen
joining a gang for a feeling of self respect, that teen could
instead join in on a role player game where he can feel a sense
of significance without having to resort to violence outside his
house.

When I play games it is more so for entertainment and
exercising my cognitive realm. Most of the day I work in front
of a computer, I have pictures on the wall and interaction with
people but sometimes I want to get my senses really going
through highly intense gaming experiences. With the new systems
it is akin to being involved in a movie you are watching, with
realism increasing in games each year.

Recent video game systems are allowing people to exercise more
often. The Nintendo Wii has a motion sensor controller which
allows people to swing their arms as they are swinging a golf
club or to punch and jab as in the Wii sports game. Exercise is
a stress reducer. Video games are largely a stress reducer. Not
adding violent games to the pack may only make the violence
situation worse in the real world.

Violence is a human issue, not a technological issue. Before
there were video games there were comic books. Would a rational
person say that comic books were a great contributer to violence
in society? I would think not.

Consider that if a disgruntled adult played a shooter game at
home instead of taking a real gun out into the workforce.
Imagine elderly adults playing video games, maintaining or
enhancing their cognitive skills. Video games aren't just for
kids any more. They are a universal form of entertainment.


About The Author: Paul Barron works in the publishing field.
You can visit his blog at http://pbarron.com/