on 16-09-2015 14:30
There has been lots of discussion on here over the past few days about video gaming. There has also been much debate about the effects these games have on players.
We have seen atrocities committed world wide and lots of debate as to whether violent video games were the root cause.
The TV programme Horizon has undertaken a research study
What is certain is that science has failed to find a causal link between video games and real-world acts of violence.
In fact, many benefits have been discovered from playing these games.
Improvement in Motor Skills, Visual Abilities, even Brain 'Growth'..:smileywink:
A fascinating study and related article
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-34255492
Just getting off to play Call Of Duty ...
Veritas Numquam Perit
on 16-09-2015 14:43
on 16-09-2015 14:44
on 16-09-2015 14:44
I think the people who blame violence on video games have never even played a game.....I cannot fathom how they would turn a person to violence.
As a gamer for over 25 years (since the Commodore 64) i certainly believe gaming has helped me develop my hand eye coordination, recognisation etc.
on 16-09-2015 15:00
As someone who only plays Haydays and Fallout Shelter nowadays, I really couldn't comment!
on 16-09-2015 15:02
on 16-09-2015 15:02
Obviously we can only talk about personal experiences. Both my sons play video games. They dont make it a lifestyle but they play. I have never seen any change in personality.
My grandson is the nicest most polite kid ever ...He IS a gamer. Has played very violent games and the only time he loses the plot is when the broadband buffers and slows the game down....
They may have taught him choice swear words...but he would have learnt those at school. He nevers swears in front of me (or anyone else so I am told)....
Veritas Numquam Perit
on 16-09-2015 15:09
16-09-2015 15:11 - edited 16-09-2015 15:12
16-09-2015 15:11 - edited 16-09-2015 15:12
Good thread @Cleoriff . I am sure this will get a lot of users talking!
I think we need to make a disctintion between video games and "violent video games" as there are all sorts of games that keep you entertained and as @redtitbit mentions, can help you develop skills and benefit you in some sorts of mental development. Think tetris for the elderly to reinforce swift responses,etc
In terms of violent games turning people into violent animals...I think violence of some sort is somehow intrinsic to human behaviour (survival instinct and all that) so a video game won't turn you into a violent person. You are either violent or you are not.
What I think can happen is that the constant exposure to violence will make you immune to violent scenes, maybe even lack empathy at some level but that would be the same as a paramedic treating injury cases on a daily basis. After a while they just grow some sort of acceptence and they are not bothered by blood and disaster anymore...Becoming violent after "playing" with violent games I think depends on the person and his mental wiring.
But then again I could be completly wrong. What do you guys think?
on 16-09-2015 15:14
on 16-09-2015 15:22
on 16-09-2015 15:24
on 16-09-2015 15:24
Most of what you say @Anonymous is well documented in the Horizons link in my post.
There are various research projects looking at it from different perpectives. It isn't just about 'making people violent'
Here is a side link from the one I first posted. This shows the criticism levelled at those who say they encourage people to be violent
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33960075
Veritas Numquam Perit