Video Games & Violence

VIDEO GAMES = VIOLENCE?

For years there's been a controversy on whether or not the violence in video games transfers over to real life through the people (especially children) who play them. Parents argue that their children's innocence is at stake when they're exposed to such graphic and life-like violence. Their sympathy dwindles as they're encouraged and promoted to kill and physically beat their opponents in the games. Plus, seeing as the kids are spending so much time in front of the television and video game, itself, they're lacking in crucial social skills to help develop the respect for others, possibly contributing to a risk of social outbursts and violence.

Video game companies defend themselves with the ideas that their games are too unrealistic in the sense that what is achievable in the game is impossible in real life, therefore forcing the player to realize the distinction between reality and game. Other arguments have been made that it is up to the parents to help their children acknowledge the difference between real life and its expectations and fantasy worlds.