Does violence in video games contribute to real life violence?

[ai-chan]

We have had numerous studies and research on the subject, but the jury is still out on whether people are influenced by video game violence.

Do you think violent video games promote violence?

[Kyo]

I would say it does. Such games desensitize people to violence... Im not saying that they WILL go around committing violent acts on a regular basis... but when push comes to shove... they will be that much more likely to turn to violence as a solution... But this is just my opinion... Shrinks might think otherwise... and theyre the ones with the degrees...

[sawreese]

I think it has to do with the person in all honesty. I know it seems like avoiding a direct answer, but there are just some people who will almost always imitate what they see, and then there are people who analyze information through a number of screens in their head before deciding what to do with it.

When I watch sports anime, it really makes me want to go do something, particularly that sport, but I never do. I recognize where the influence is coming from, I remember how lazy I am, and I go back to sleep. If my brother watches anime, the next day he is talking about Japanese culture like he's an expert and is outside doing God knows what.

So if you're looking at it in regards to people as a population, then I would say yes, and as individuals then no.

[e_i]

Since humans have long been violent before TV and video games, I don't think they contribute.

[Omo]

Think violence in video games does not contribute in real life, ive typically thought out that if you cannot distinguish from real life and whats a game then you already have a corrupted mind and does not relate to being so called brain washed by media today. I feel it more revolves around how one is brought up from childhood and how they interpret things from religions.

[Heavenly Otaku]

Since humans have long been violent before TV and video games, I don't think they contribute.

The threads says "Does violence in video games contribute to real life violence," and not cause.....(Like adding fuel to fire.)

I agree that humans[mostly referring to Males(nothing personal, I am a male too.)] have significant history for being violent.

I comply with other posts and think Violence in games does indeed, directly or indirectly causes one to think violently. Even if its not visible to others. Nevertheless, there are excemptions to what I said above.

Also, I don't want to say, that one should stop playing violent games for good. Just keep in mind the difference between a game and the reality.

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The human mind is a complicated "thing," which can't be understood this easily........

[delon33]

I personally think that violence in video games actually helps prevents real life violence. A person can kill and slaughter as much as they like in video games to release stress and such and thus, reducing their urge to act violently. Of course, this is just my take on the subject so don't take my words seriously. I mean, it's the same as people watching porn right? They sate their sexual desires through porn and at the end of the day, they don't grow up to be some sex deprived maniac.