Video Games and Violent Behavior

 – Are They Linked Together?

Since the release of highly controversial yet popular games like DOOM, Mortal Kombat, Wolfenstein, Duke Nukem, and many more, one debate has been quite popular worldwide. It is a debate that has even been discussed by top politicians worldwide. This debate is about whether or not video games can cause violence. When titles like DOOM were initially released, many people believed they should be banned, and children should not play them. While fewer people believe this now, and even fewer believe that video games can cause violent behaviors, some still think so.

Can Video Games Be Responsible for Violent Behavior?

There are people all around the world that believe video games condone killing and even glorify it at times. The same people also think that this can result in the users playing these games developing violent tendencies and needing to replicate what they play. Video games aren’t going to turn anyone into a violent psychopath, a deranged killer, or anything else of the sort.

Most players know the fine line between a video game and reality, and they’re never going to think of replicating the things they do in video games on other people. This is especially true if parents or guardians are there to guide their kids about right and wrong. However, it can’t be said that video games are not linked with violent behaviors. It is a known fact that gaming can be pretty stressful at times. Games that are played competitively, like COD, Battlefield CS: GO, and others, are known to cause outbursts of anger at times.

This can also be said for challenging games like Dark Souls and Cuphead. But just because players get a little frustrated while playing and may even throw their controller/mouse around to let their stress out does not mean they will develop violent behaviors. The point is that while video games are certainly capable of causing stress now and then, it likely isn’t going to lead to long-term behavioral problems. No one will turn too violent because of a little video game as long as they’ve been taught the difference between right and wrong.

While it is recommended that children don’t play anything too violent and gory. Children who’ve been guided well enough will have no problems with violent behaviors directly related to playing video games. Again, I am not suggesting that playing violent video games is a good thing, but I think you can put your mind at ease and stop worrying about your child becoming a serial killer. I realize this is a touchy topic with differing points of view. What is your take on this controversial topic?