Violence and Video Game Link in Upcoming Executive Intelligence Review
By Andrew on Wednesday, May 30th, 2007 at 2:42 AM PST In Gamer Life
The gamers may be facing a tough battle ahead of them, as evidence between video games and the link to violence surface. Here’s yet another source supporting the link between the two.
The feature is an interview with Dr. Craig Anderson of Iowa State University, who is publishing a few books on the subject, actually. And if you’ll notice, our favorite panelist Don Phau, which we have encountered before, has interviewed the good doctor recently. But that doesn’t mean we automatically should be alarmed.
“Public policy never flows, and shouldn’t flow directly, from scientific research,” Anderson said in the feature, responding to the idea of banning video games. “The scientific research is certainly relevant, but there are other concerns that have to be taken into account as well. The most obvious one is that there are legal concerns having to do with First Amendment protections involving free speech…”
That’s not bad. Our favorite video game makers are, indeed, protected by the same laws which protect Hustler Magazine. Oddly, the idea does comfort me quite a bit.
There are sure to be some angry parents out there looking for scapegoats, but I think there’s hope that Congress and other legislatures might cease to hear about creating laws banning video games. Although, minors may have a very hard time getting M-rated games in the near future…
That’s bullshit, you’re retarded, and you don’t even know.
Lyndon LaRouche?!? BWA-HAHAHAHAHAHA!
The thing about scientific research is that it can be skewed to produce whatever result you think. Many of these studies state, as this one does, that violent games are ‘easily obtainable’ by young children. In point of fact, the FTC has released data this year that shows that this is becoming less true all the time. In fact, I believe the last report showed that over 50% of parents feel the ESRB ratings are ‘very useful’ in determining what they allow their kids to play.
Other studies are out there that show no causal link between violent games and violent behavior. In fact, recent studies have shown that kids KNOW that they are playing a game, and that is not real. Notice how those studies don’t get much press outside the gaming world.
The truth of the matter is that violent games will always be available, as will violent TV shows, violent movies, and violent printed matter. Is it the responsibility of the manufacturers and distributers of this material to see that it is not sold to young children? Sure, to a point. But, if 12-year-old Johnny’s mom walks into EB Games and buys GTA IV, the retailer, publisher, and developer have all done their job. The game was sold to a consumer over 18. Now, if she then takes the game home, and hands it off to Johnny to play while she talks on the phone, does her nails, and watches Days of our Lives, who’s at fault here. I would suggest that it is not anyone connected to the game industry.
Wait, so what’s bullshit and who is retarded without knowing?
See Ron’s answer for details.
Okay…