THE IMPACT OF VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES ON SOCIETY

 THE IMPACT OF VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES ON SOCIETY

 

The 1970s began with the introduction of violent video games to human society beginning with the game called Death Race. The consumption rate of video games amongst the youth population has seen a rapid and continuous increase since then. 

 

What are violent video games? Violent video games are games that contain elements of violent activities committed by the player or witnessed by the player committed by a non-player character. Examples of violent activities include; fighting, bombings, kidnapping, use of weapons, etc.

 

 Video games give a very intense engaging and interactive experience for the player, especially as technology advances. The development of Metaverse will increase the level and depth of engagement of violent video games. The emotions are impacted and the heart beats faster because it gives the sensation of being in a real battle. Examples of violent video games are; Grand Theft Auto (GTA), Call of Duty, and Mortal Kombat. 

 

The impact of violent video games on society is a difficult phenomenon to measure as the indices of measurement are not simple to figure out. There is a decline in the violence seen in the youths even though the consumption of violent video games has been on the increase. Various challenges are encountered in measuring the impact such as the difficulty in establishing causation even when there is an observable correlation in data sets, the standards used to take the measurements and the models to be used.

 

The impact of violent video games can only be measured to the degree to which the players are being affected. Does it increase or decrease aggressive thoughts feelings and behavior in the players, does it increase or decrease violence in the players, and to what extent does it affect the players relating with world violence as to simulated violence. The impact of violent games also varies with personality types.

 

 

Violent video games have been observed to give a short-term increase in aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior immediately after an individual has been exposed to violent games. An aggressive person does not necessarily act out the aggression. It is difficult to determine how players’ actions are being influenced by violent video games.

 

Violence is the use of physical force with the intent to injure another person or property. There is no direct relationship between violent video games and violent behavior. Violent video games can lead to certain antisocial behaviors such as isolation.

 

It also serves as a source of time wastage for the youth as with other media such as social media, television series, films, etc.

 

There is no evidence linking violent video games to violent actions and the increased aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors observed are only short-term.