Violence In Video Games And Violent Behavior

INTRODUCTION Video games are played by people of all age ranges, from pre-schoolers to retired adults. The content of these games have been anywhere from educational, racing, to controversial violence. Violence in video games have become a highly politicized issue for players, parents, and legislators. There has been growing concern that playing violent video games will cause an increase in aggression and violent behavior in players (Ferguson 2007). Topics discussed in this paper will be the process and the effectiveness of the ESRB rating system. The behavioral effects, both positive and negative that are caused by playing violent video games. All of this information will be pertinent to the end goal of establishing whether or not there is …show more content…
Due to such a prevalence of violent video games many over the years have asked themselves the question, “will violence in video games cause a desensitization process in young people?” (Becker-Olsen 2010). In young people, biological changes include an increased amount of risk-taking, sensation-taking, and mood disruptions. For some young people, video games satisfy a need for high stimulation. According to Funk in 2005, video game play and aggression simultaneously increase from the ages of 11 to 14 years of age and will decrease later on. Imaging studies suggest that the prefrontal cortex deactivates while playing video games and can cause immaturity (Funk 2005). Studies have shown that at least for a short period of time there was an increase in aggressive behavior in younger children after playing or observing a violent video game. (Funk …show more content…
In the past legislators and parents have argued that there is a right to restrict a minor’s access to violent video games and that such a restriction is not protected by the First Amendment because the content in question is obscene (Clements 2012). The Supreme Court had stated that parents have the right to control the activities their children engage in and are responsible in-case of any harm done to the child (Becker-Olsen 2010). However, on November 2nd, 2010, the United States Supreme Court overheard the Schwarzenegger v Entertainment Merchants Association. The case was about whether or not states had the right to restrict freedom of speech by limiting the sales of violent video games to minors. As of 2011, 8 states have tried to pass legislation similar to this and all attempts have been found