Video Games and Children

Video games and children

Technology has brought us a long way in video game production. When I was a kid, I played Donkey Kong and Pacman. Today's youth are playing games that look like movies. The graphics are incredible. But with the advance in technology, comes the advance in game content. It is an inevitable occurrence. And this is where innocent fun takes a turn for the worse, and becomes life-like simulation. I am referring to games such as Grand Theft Auto and the likes thereof. Even as an adult, I am shocked at the portrayal of violence and crime within some of these games. I have played GTA, and truthfully, enjoyed it. But as an adult, I am able to comprehend that this is complete fiction and not real life. It is only a game.

I am not insinuating that children believe this violence to be acceptable or to act out in real life, but eventually, desensitization to violence and crime will undoubtedly lead to a guaranteed percentage of young people imitating what they see in video games. This is true,and truly tragic.

On some levels, I understand the desire for life-like video games. I mean, who wants to make a gorilla throw wooden barrels when you can make a mafia hitman pick up a shotgun and blast away his rival? It's a guy thing! Adrenaline and hormones!

But for a young child or teenager to be exposed daily to such video game violence and crime, is definitely another Colombine disaster just waiting to happen.

Video game violence is not a minor issue. It's possible effects on society are extremely serious and should be addressed on a governmental level. A lot of games now have content ratings but most are all but completely ignored. Many parents don't even pay attention to these ratings and seem completely oblivious to the fact that violent images will eventually lead to violent realities.

I am not sure what connections studies have shown between the use of violence in video games and the actual violence occurring on the streets, but I guarantee I could venture an accurate guess.