Violent Videogames: Good or bad?

Imagine a world where children are constantly testing the limits of violence. Then, it is their turn to face the world and what do they do? Turn to what they are used to: fighting and cruelty. This is why it is so important for children and young adults to not play video games filled with gruesome and morbid animations. Yes, some say video games can perk your reaction time. But really? Do these games have to be filled with killing? It is possible to increase your reaction time with video games such as car racing! Kids can still have fun and gain the benefits without the hateful activity. In reality, do we want our future generations to be attracted to virtual massacres? I hope you said no because there are many facts which show violence is not the answer! Violent video games are harmful to humans because they have a negative effect on your mind, they are detrimental to your physical health, and they promote real-life violence.

Your mental health is key to your personality and how your brain works. More than 400 studies done by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveal a significant link between being exposed to violent media and aggressive behavior, thoughts, and angry feelings (Scutti). This study shows that these two topics are connected and can be harmful to your mental health and the way your brain functions. Playing video games can also hurt your honesty and stirs up the rebel inside of you. “Roman Rivera grew up crazy about video games. He avoided his mom’s screen-time limits by secretly playing his Game Boy after bedtime,” (Keilman). In this case, Rivera is so into playing his game that he is skipping sleep time and being dishonest about his mother’s limits. While it is true video games have been shown to boost your reaction time and sharpen your real-life skills, it is always important to be honest and true. This shows video games can be harmful to your mental health.

Playing video games is not only bad for your mind, but it can also be damaging to your body. According to an article in the Journal of Neurology, Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, “29 percent of patients with epilepsy suffered video-game-induced seizures. There is no scientific evidence that video games can cause epilepsy, but stress, fatigue and hyperventilation during video games can trigger seizures in children with epilepsy,” (Regal). This piece of evidence provides even more negative effects of video games. They require so much attention, it can distract you from feeling pain. It is true this can be beneficial for medical purposes but besides this, not being able to sense pain is extremely dangerous! “Measured on the Body Mass Index scale, it’s estimated that roughly one-third of Americans are obese, and this is largely blamed on bad diets and sedentary lifestyles. A report in Journal of Adolescence also directly linked childhood obesity and inadequate activity levels to video games. In children, ages 1 to 12, ‘results indicated that while television use was not related to children’s weight status, video game use was,’“ (Regal). While it is true video games have been shown to boost your reaction time there are many negative effects on your body caused by video games.

When you are exposed to violent video games, a chemical called dopamine is released into your brain. After this, you are thirsty for more and more. After your tv is turned off and the game is over, you are urged to observe and mimic the same thing you have just played. In other words, you want to watch (or even participate in) real-life violence and shootings! In fact, 85% of video games involve some form of violence, (Scutti). Many people who go out into the world and spread hate through shooting are big fans of violent video games. For example, an 18 year-old gunman who killed 9 people in Munich Germany “was a fan of first-person shooter video games, according to reports,” (Scutti). Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that on an average day, 93 Americans are killed with guns. And as more children and teens grow up, the numbers are only getting higher. This shows why video-games are affecting violence in real life- especially the US.

Video games are part of our society today and they certainly can be positive and fun. However, it is important to realize, both children and adults who play homicidal games are experiencing negative effects on their mind, deteriorating physical health, and the urge to cause violence in real life. Today, more than ever, our community is in need of positivity and happiness. Violence will not help us achieve this goal. It is essential for the amount of violence to be reduced. Stopping violent video games will absolutely help this problem. The consequences they bring to our nation and world are growing every day. While some may not be affected by violent video games, far more people are experiencing the impact of violent media.