I read a lot of literature regarding studies that are conducted in the area of video game violence. As a gamer, I feel a responsibility to know if I am actually training myself to be a hate filled, murdering war machine [rolls eyes]. I've experienced more than his share of violent games, yet I always raise an eyebrow when I hear researchers mention terms like "increased levels of aggression" when it comes to responses to gaming violence. Because while such terms are medically true, they mean something very different than what the majority of people might think. I can say that with confidence, having felt this "effect" many many times. And I assure you, Im no mass murderer =)
So I was wonderfully surprised to come across the findings of researchers at Villanova, who have come to the stunningly obvious conclusion that no one ever talks about.
The long and short of it is simple. Violent video games do cause "aggression". But aggression does not mean violence, and the effect on a normal person's behavior is minuscule. And, are you ready for this one? Inherently angry people show more angry responses than non angry people to violent stimuli. Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?!
"Its not the video game's fault... it is the person's fault".
Read that line no fewer than 100 times. Now join me as I do the Stub happy dance around my office. Personal accountability for one's actions. Amazing.
One of the things that frustrates me most about the controversy surrounding violent video games is that it seems almost taboo to talk openly and honestly about it. If you admit the truth, then its used by haters and those who enjoy sitting on the moral highground as fodder to power their own agendas. Well Im about to lay a dose of honesty on you, so brace yourselves =)
I've spent more time than I care to think about playing video games in my life - quite a few of them violent. In Hitman, I've played the role of an assassin - stalking targets using any number of tactics that would result in their ultimate demise. In Grand Theft Auto I've killed so many cops at one time that they've called in tanks to stop me. I've decapitated players in Mortal Kombat. I've blown off limbs in Soldier of Fortune. I've used cars to run over everyone in my path in Carmageddon. I've beaten characters to death with just about every mele object you can imagine from crow bars to fire extinguishers, and I am exceptionally familiar with the terms "head shot", "knee-cap", and "frag". And you might not believe it, but I had fun doing it all.
Now Im sure statements like this make some people uncomfortable. Im sure it might downright sicken some. After all what sort of monster must I be that I could ever take enjoyment out of activities such as these? How could I say such things with a straight face?
But the thing is, no matter how grotesque an action might be considered in real life, in a game... its not real. None of it. In a game, I might drive a stolen Ferrari that required killing 3 people to get. In real life, I drive a Nissan Altima that I keep within 10 miles of the speed limit. Did I steal it? Ha! Yea... I bought it at Carmax. In a game, I might be the most ruthless, efficient, cold blooded assassin you've ever seen. In real life, I get upset when I see roadkill and I've never seen a puppy I didnt smile at. In a game, I might be the best, most violent, battle tested street fighter your nightmares could imagine. In real life, the last incident of physical violence I've been a part of was in 6th grade. And no Dr. Phil, games didnt inspire that violence. The jerk squirted a mustard packet in my face and stole my fruit rollup. And you dont mess with Stub's dessert.
Generally the most controversial violent games take flak because they are more closely based on reality than other games. Super Mario Brothers is a violent game. But in real life, they are no Goombas, or Bowsers, or floating brick blocks you can smash with your head. So no one worries about an epidemic of people wearing overalls jumping down sewer pipes. But there are real guns that are used to shoot real people, so when a fake gun is used to shoot a fake person, people tense up. What people allow themselves to forget that whether you are playing Mario or Manhunt... the pixels are just as fake. When I see a real police officer after playing Grand Theft Auto do you know what goes through my mind? "Better see how fast Im going - I dont want to get a ticket. Is my seatbelt on?". Not murder. Not drugs. Not high speed chases.
I'm a rock superstar that can't play guitar. Im a Heisman Trophy winning running back who never played college football. I'm a serial killer who has never fired a gun at anything but a paper target. There is real. And there is fake.
What I am is a human being grounded in reality. Games are not real. And while I think they can be used for a lot of valuable things, there is a distinct difference between a game world and the real one. And there is no denying, I do I feel a jolt of adrenaline when I steal a virtual car and race down the virtual San Andreas freeway. But I feel the same thing if I see it in a movie, read it in a book, or hear about it in a great song. Its not some sign of my moral fiber corrupting, or inner rage being released. Its a response to a creative outlet. Does it mean I'm more inclined to steal a car? You must be crazy. I know better than that. Everyone should.
Of course there are all be those who don't know better. Those who weren't raised to understood right and wrong, real and fantasy. But why should that be blamed on video games?
Personal accountability. What a crazy idea...
Video taken from gamepolitics.com
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