Topic: The Relationship Between Video Games & Gun Violence

For many years now, it has been suggested that violent television shows, movies, and video games may have antisocial effects, due to studies that identified a link between viewing violence and aggression seen in children (Anderson & Gentile, 2008; Kirsch, 2010; Miller, Grabell, Thomas, Bermann, & Graham-Bermann, 2012). These findings may not be surprising, given that a child graduating from high school has been exposed to around 200,000 violent acts including murder, robbery, torture, bombings, beatings, and rape through various forms of media (Huston et al., 1992). Not only might viewing media violence affect aggressive behavior by teaching people to act that way in real life situations, but it has also been suggested that repeated exposure to violent acts also desensitizes people to it.
Psychologists are working to understand this dynamic. And, they are finding that it is much more complicated than originally thought. We cannot blame violent behavior solely on exposure to violence as a child. Understanding the many different correlational and causational factors of violent behavior is a central focus on current research.
ACTION ITEM: Watch this video about the relationship between video games and gun violence
(Links to an external site.)
(23 mins).
ACTION ITEM: Read this web article about the relationship between aggression and gaming
(Links to an external site.)
.
QUESTION PROMPT:
If someone told you they thought violent video games are causing people to become more aggressive, what would you say to them?
Tip #1: Please make sure your response is a well-formulated, educated opinion using information you learned from the video, article, and textbook to support your opinion.
Tip #2: There is only one question prompt this time. But, if you are developing a thorough, detailed answer to this question, you should easily be able to meet the 500+ word count requirement.
Tip #3: Don’t forget to check and correct any spelling/grammar errors.
Late Policy: You have a one-week grace period for turning these in late (with a 5-point deduction). Submissions will not be accepted after the grace period. I also drop the lowest grade in case you need to skip one.

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