Do video games cause violence?

[NeonSamurai]

I have to say I have always found it deeply ironic that violence is far more acceptable in the United States then sex.

Anyhow, Ducimus there is a big difference between watching violence and causing violence (simulated or otherwise). There has been research on that, and they found that kids are more likely to act aggressively after playing a violent game, compared to either watching another kid play a violent game, or watching a violent tv program or movie.

Even still though the rate of aggressive behavior doesn't go up a whole lot between playing a violent vs a non violent game.

Last there are several games that are quite violent, but don't have the 17+ Mature or 18+ Adults Only rating. It is actually sexual content that tends to push games into those categories (or extreme amounts of gore)...

[Skybird]

Do video games cause violence?

It depends.

[TarJak]

In a word; No. People cause violence.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by TarJak

In a word; No. People cause violence.

But not without an according motivation - or a mental blackout.

[Sailor Steve]

Yes, we are coerced into doing what we see. We are stupid and can't help ourselves. Therefore, I contend that if we ban the Illiad we will stop all war. If we ban porn we will stop all sex. If we ban the Bible we will stop both.

Wait, what?

Originally Posted by TarJak

In a word; No. People cause violence.

I agree. We should ban people, and the problem will be fixed. I think I'll go out and start shooting everyone I see, in the name of saving us from ourselves.

When I go to trial, I'll blame TarJak.