Studies have shown a correlation between video games and violent behaviour. Playing violent video games is linked to increased aggression in players though it is not certain if the link extends to criminal violence too, according to a latest American Psychological Association (APA) report.
We talk to the players themselves to know what they think of this. Some of them agree with the premise that violent video games invoke aggression. If you keep shooting people with guns or run them down with cars in a video game, you become used to violence.The high graphics of games like Call of Duty and Modern Warfare give a pump to the adrenaline and reduce the sensitisation towards blood and gore. The gap between virtual and real is reducing, and so aggression in the virtual world can transform into the real world, with little hesitation.
Some say that this dilemma is seen in the instances of Blue Whale victims. They become so enamoured by game, that they push limits with each challenge. Though Blue Whale is not exactly a video game, many youngsters take this example to show that video games can play with your mind.
They also say that among their friends, those who spend their time playing video games are less likely to do much else in their leisure time. This addictive tendency for players is a sign that something may be going wrong.
So, the belief is if you drive your car too rashly and hit pedestrians in Grand Theft Auto, you are likely to do the same on the road too! As absurd as it gets, then they might as well accuse that playing Mario will lead to dressing like Luigi the plumber and jumping on pipes to rescue a damsel in distress.
However, there are others who feel that video games are just that, games! They are not harmful. It all depends on the inclination and intrinsic character of the player. After all, just playing Chrono Trigger does not mean you will wield swords on everyone.Even games like Street Fighter does not necessarily mean you will become a street punk. One college student actually felt that video games help you to become more alert to your surroundings. Some said that there is already so much gore in films and social media, that video games are hardly a factor. If someone is aggressive by nature, it will out without any triggers.
Supporting them is a new study that says that video games may actually promote good behaviour. A study in the journal Cyberpsychology said that violent video games increase the moral sensitivity among the players.
There is yet no definitive conclusion in this debate. However, check your self before you set up the video game set with your friends. Do not get carried way beyond the game.
