Call of Violence: The Desensitizing Effects of Violent Video Games The American Psychological Association (APA) controversially called for "the reduction of all violence in video games, and interactive media marketed to children and youth" (Peckham). There are those who disagree with this statement, claiming that violence in video games is not an issue, going so far as to say it is useful. As referenced in Matt Peckham’s article “Researcher Says Linking Video Games to Gun Violence is a ‘Classic Illusory Correlation,’” Christopher Ferguson, a professor of Clinical Psychology, supports those who opposed the APA’s recommendation. He feels that there is not enough evidence pointing to the fact that violent video games have a negative effects,
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In contrast, Julia Shaw, a lecturer in Forensic Psychology, believes there is strong evidence to suggest that aggressive behavior can be linked to interactive, violent media. Additionally, Brad Bushman, an expert in psychology, has conducted research on the effects of violent games. In one study, he had college kids play violent video games for 20 minutes a day for 3 days. After each day, they showed more and more aggression. Also, Bushman, with help of several colleagues, compiled the results of many studies and found that aggressive thoughts, behavior, and feelings were increased for everyone tested (males and females of all ages). They also found that empathy and helping behavior were decreased (Bushman). In a similar study, Christopher Barlett, an assistant professor of psychology, with others had 47 under-graduate students play a violent game for 15 minutes. Afterwards they were told to pour out hot sauce to feed to a fellow student that they were told did not like spicy foods. The results showed that those who played the game tended to be more aggressive than those who did not. Many experts do agree, aggressive behavior can be tied to violent video games even though there is no irrefutable findings. As reported by Brandon Keim, a journalist specializing in science, for a conclusive answer there would need to be a large-scale survey. The survey would …show more content…
Ferguson also feels that violent games help promote social skills in those with mental health issues. In response to these assertions, hand-eye coordination can be improved in other ways that do not involve violence. Communication skills are not positively affected by these games. Wally Wallace plays Call of Duty for approximately 3 hours a week. He says that because there is a lot of swearing, demeaning language, and threats, he leaves the chat option off. This may cause one to question how is this beneficial to those with the potential to face bullying. Is it not just another place where they can get bullied? Some also claim that it helps people get anger and/or aggression out. However, according to Bushman, the opposite is true. The effect of games like Call of Duty are aggressive thoughts, and behavior, as well as angry feelings and physiological arousal. The active participation involved in video games is the reason why the results of game play tend to include aggressive feelings. The active participation causes people to pick up and learn behaviors better, and also is why video games might have a greater effect on people than violence portrayed on TV (Keim). Lastly, the Military uses first-person shooting games to help make the idea of war less repulsive. The extended exposure
In contrast, Julia Shaw, a lecturer in Forensic Psychology, believes there is strong evidence to suggest that aggressive behavior can be linked to interactive, violent media. Additionally, Brad Bushman, an expert in psychology, has conducted research on the effects of violent games. In one study, he had college kids play violent video games for 20 minutes a day for 3 days. After each day, they showed more and more aggression. Also, Bushman, with help of several colleagues, compiled the results of many studies and found that aggressive thoughts, behavior, and feelings were increased for everyone tested (males and females of all ages). They also found that empathy and helping behavior were decreased (Bushman). In a similar study, Christopher Barlett, an assistant professor of psychology, with others had 47 under-graduate students play a violent game for 15 minutes. Afterwards they were told to pour out hot sauce to feed to a fellow student that they were told did not like spicy foods. The results showed that those who played the game tended to be more aggressive than those who did not. Many experts do agree, aggressive behavior can be tied to violent video games even though there is no irrefutable findings. As reported by Brandon Keim, a journalist specializing in science, for a conclusive answer there would need to be a large-scale survey. The survey would …show more content…
Ferguson also feels that violent games help promote social skills in those with mental health issues. In response to these assertions, hand-eye coordination can be improved in other ways that do not involve violence. Communication skills are not positively affected by these games. Wally Wallace plays Call of Duty for approximately 3 hours a week. He says that because there is a lot of swearing, demeaning language, and threats, he leaves the chat option off. This may cause one to question how is this beneficial to those with the potential to face bullying. Is it not just another place where they can get bullied? Some also claim that it helps people get anger and/or aggression out. However, according to Bushman, the opposite is true. The effect of games like Call of Duty are aggressive thoughts, and behavior, as well as angry feelings and physiological arousal. The active participation involved in video games is the reason why the results of game play tend to include aggressive feelings. The active participation causes people to pick up and learn behaviors better, and also is why video games might have a greater effect on people than violence portrayed on TV (Keim). Lastly, the Military uses first-person shooting games to help make the idea of war less repulsive. The extended exposure