The Violent Video Game Debate

[Rainbowhawk1993]

Originally Posted by Aquaplant

Violent behaviour is mostly learned by physical experience during early childhood. For example, if a child learns that violence can be an effective way of getting what you want, then they will resort to it when the opportunity arises. Children also effectively learn by observing how parents, others adults and kids behave.

That is whenever people complain that kids these days are violent, unruly or whatnot and try to find the next thing to blame instead of taking a good look in the mirror. The thing about children is that they don't grow up in a void, they are always raised by someone, and they learn from their surroundings.

I was raisd with a relative peaceful family without playing violent games but I did watch my dad play Diablo a couple of times when I was about 6.

Today, I think of myself as in between with the games. I do think if you play overly violent games you canbe a little loopy after wards. Ex: a few days ago me and my friend played midway arcade classics for Gamecube and we played things like moratal combat 2&3 and total carnage. I made a mental note not to play those kinds of games. I still like to play games like Infamous, Deus ex and Halo because they aren't in too much of a disturbing setting like Grand theift auto or Duke Nukeum. Thats why I prefere MoH over CoD.

Maybe it's time to ask everyone a question: Why do you play T-M games and are apart of a community site that has a goal of peace in the world?

[Isard]

GTA 4 isn't disturbing. Its actually one of the best single player experiences I've had in a video game. Nikko Bellic is a really complex character, and you learn quite a bit about him as the story progresses.

[Fkeu'itan]

I actually do believe they can have an effect, but only due to bad (or complete lack) of parenting.

Like Aquaplant said, experiences of what are 'right and 'wrong' are built up from a very early age indeed, some may say it takes you into adulthood and beyond to learn these things, however, if said person does not have the guidance of a parent who can show them these differences, instead relying on nothing but videogames as a judge of what is and isn't morally acceptable, then naturally, a set of morals will be built on poor foundations.

I'm not saying that by letting an eight year old child play GTA is going to make them want to go out, steal a car and run over 20 people, but what i'm saying is that their morals become twisted, because all they have ever learned is disrespect, backstabbing and violence (depending on what games you et you child play, of course... But i'm thinking of the big ones. CoD, GTA etc.)

That is to say, it is not the videogame's fault that they learn these things, rather, the parent's fault for not teaching their child these things themselves, and the morailty of them right from the get-go.

[Aquaplant]

Originally Posted by Rainbowhawk1993

Maybe it's time to ask everyone a question: Why do you play T-M games and are apart of a community site that has a goal of peace in the world?

We play games to have fun, spend time and whatnot. It really doesn't matter what these games are about, because they are just virtual reality that doesn't concern anyone.

Originally Posted by Fkeu'itan

I actually do believe they can have an effect, but only due to bad (or complete lack) of parenting.

Like Aquaplant said, experiences of what are 'right and 'wrong' are built up from a very early age indeed, some may say it takes you into adulthood and beyond to learn these things, however, if said person does not have the guidance of a parent who can show them these differences, instead relying on nothing but videogames as a judge of what is and isn't morally acceptable, then naturally, a set of morals will be built on poor foundations.

I'm not saying that by letting an eight year old child play GTA is going to make them want to go out, steal a car and run over 20 people, but what i'm saying is that their morals become twisted, because all they have ever learned is disrespect, backstabbing and violence (depending on what games you et you child play, of course... But i'm thinking of the big ones. CoD, GTA etc.)

That is to say, it is not the videogame's fault that they learn these things, rather, the parent's fault for not teaching their child these things themselves, and the morailty of them right from the get-go.

Well said.

Children are pretty smart, usually more so than they are given credit for, and they do understand the difference between what's real and what's not when explained. Although even here there are variations, where some kids might learn these things quicker, whereas for some it might take longer, so it always comes down to the parents.

Responsible parenting and guidance, nothing more needs to be said really.

[Moco Loco]

Lots of T-M games can be really graphic and scary, but not necessarily full of crime and evil main characters. Alice is a good example-- she's flipping out, but the whole game takes place in her mind anyway. So, not only is it not real, it's not real in the not real world.
Super not real

[Tsyal Makto]

Found it:

Mind the language.

[EywaBlessMe]

Before there were violent video games, were there no murders? How about before violent TV shows? How about before Rock'n'roll? How about before movies? Violent actions have happened since the first Neanderthal learned how to throw a rock, and all scapegoating is simply someone's latest pet peeve.

[LOVEavatar]

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

Found it:

Mind the language.

Oh hell I'm gonna enjoy watching this