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A young child, with the controller in hand, is in the midst of the messy, heavy sets of a
post-apocalyptic action game. It’s all fun and games until the child starts to embody the behavior
witnessed on the screen, shouting angrily or acting out signals of anger. Are these digital worlds a
harmless pastime, or do they push vulnerable kids toward aggressive behaviors? For years, there has been
debate over whether playing violent games directly causes the increase in the aggression of children, or
does it add on to those who already have behavioral problems.
Players of violent video games get lost in action-packed virtual worlds that frequently feature
lifelike violence simulations. The specific games that dominate the market are Games like Grand Theft
Auto and Call of Duty that attract thousands upon millions of players. The Grand Theft Auto series, itself
has sold over 385 million units, and in the same way Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II selling $1 billion in
just the first ten days since its launch on October 28, 2022. With adolescents being a large portion of the
audience, where the gamers average a play for over six hours per week on these online games.
The American Psychological Association states that experts define video games as "interactive
electronic games that allow players to access virtual environments under specific rules and conditions."
Games come in many different forms and offer a variety of experiences, from puzzles and mobile games
to racing and VR. There are some critics out there who argue that video games are just another expression
of art and communication that offer a lot of benefits like problem-solving, amazing story plots, and even
creating interpersonal connections through multiplayer platforms.
The main issue of interest is the impact on subjects’ mental states which arises due to the
presence of violent stimuli. Such games may desensitize kids to violence, decreasing empathy and
fostering aggressive tendencies. According to a peer-reviewed study, for example, playing violent video
games is associated with a lower emotional response to actual violence, which may normalize aggressive
behavior (Anderson et al.).
With realistic simulations, it can appear that repeated exposure to violent activities, such as
shooting or hand-to-hand combat, increase the likelihood of adopting these behaviors. The advanced
controls and visually appealing graphics promote violent patterns in young brains by distorting the
distinction between reality and imagination. According to a longitudinal research by Coyne and
Stockdale, long-term consequences can include social withdrawal, academic difficulties, and even an
increase in risk-taking.
The discussion isn't one-sided either. To some, violent video games are being used as a cover for
larger social problems. The study by Przybylski and Weinstein casts doubt on the assumption that violent
video games are an inevitable component of life. Rather, they note that more important factors influencing
violent conduct pertain to things like family connections, mental health, and genetic personality features.
There is not enough proof to establish a direct connection between violent video games and actual
aggression, according to skeptics of the "violent games = violence" theory. To them, gaming could be a
secure way to relieve stress or frustration. Granic et al., for instance, point out the way multiplayer games,
perhaps violent ones, allow for connections between individuals, problem-solving abilities, and
teamwork.
Furthermore, the global setting calls into question the cultural bias of this argument. As stated by
former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,“People play video games in virtually every country on earth.
The difference is the guns.” Violent video games don't cause the same amount of ethical panic in nations
with strong gun control legislation, which can suggest that other societal problems, such as access to
firearms, are more significant causes of teenage violence.
With all that has been said, a large number of experts who have focused their attention and
research on this problem as well as all those who state no correlation share one opinion – and that is that
parents have a lot of work to do when it comes to regulating their children’s playing habits and time. By
ignoring to check age restrictions, parents allow their children to be exposed to video games that are too
violent those like GTA and COD, not fully comprehending the content they are taking in.