Violent Video Games and Children

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the question of whether children behave aggressively because of something genetic (nature) or whether something in the environment (nurture) causes violent behavior. In particular, the paper discusses the effect of violent video games on children and argues that violent video games do have a negative effect on children. The paper contains an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper:

"The issue of nature versus nurture and which is causes violent behavior is not easy to resolve. All human beings have a capacity to be violent, especially when aroused or threatened, but most people are able to control their impulses. Boys who play violent video games are being aroused artificially by the images, music, and action of the games. The arousal is artificial because there is no threat to their physical safety. The "fight or flight" mechanism is induced. Even if only a few boys learn to be the kind of man touted in these games, the effect can be very disastrous for society. The manufacturers of violent video games are exploiting for profit the boys' need to explore their manhood. That's immoral. The companies lack a sense of social responsibility."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alloway, N. and Gilbert, P. (1998). Video game culture: Playing with masculinity, violence and pleasure. In Howard, S. (Ed.) Wired Up, London: UCL Press.
• Funk, J. (2001). Children and violent video games: Are there "high risk" players? Retrieved 18 April 2008 from http://culturalpolicy.uchicago.edu/conf2001/papers/funk1.html
• Gentile, D. A. and Anderson, C. A. (2003). Violent video games: The newest media violence hazard. In D. A. Gentile (Ed.), Media violence and children. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishing.
• Hockenbury, S.E. & Hockenbury, D.H. (2003). Psychology, New York: Worth Publishers.
• Hough, K.J. & Erwin, P.G. (1997). Children's attitudes toward violence on television. The Journal of Psychology, v.131, July, 411-15.

More papers on Violent Video Games and Children:

• Analytical Essay # 26105 : "Violent Video Games and Impact on Children"
• Research Paper # 50319 : "Video Games and Children"
• Persuasive Essay # 72946 : "Video Games and Children"

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