Violent Video Games Make Young People Aggressive

Question

Do violent video games make young people aggressive? This is an article made by New York Times.

Comments

The article titled "Violent Video Games Make Young People Aggressive" is misleading because, while it mentions temporary increases in hostility after playing such games, it ultimately concludes that these effects are short-lived and do not lead to long-term aggressive behavior. The title implies a lasting impact, which is not supported by the article's content. An Oxford University study also shows no long-term link between violent video games and aggression in young people, though it acknowledges that certain game mechanics can provoke brief feelings of anger or frustration (https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-02-13-violent-video-games-found-not-be-associated-adolescent-aggression). These findings point only to short-term emotional responses, not any violent actions. Additionally, another study mentioned in the article concludes that violent video games have no lasting or permanent effects on aggressive behavior. The headline is misleading because the short-term effects it describes, such as increased cortisol or emotional reactions to intense gameplay, are not causes for concern. The article does not suggest a heightened risk of shootings or violence, making the study's findings relatively insignificant. The short-term emotional reactions from video games are comparable to the adrenaline rush from playing or watching sports.

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This is a great factcheck, I really appreciate how you added in another source with a credible study in order to aid your explanation. I agree that the title is misleading, as it implies long-term affects and behavioral changes rather than the short-term feelings of frustration as a result of video games that the study you provided noted. I personally feel that the instances of longterm or extreme violence that could be a result of violent video games are due to a separate mental concern, not because of the video game itself. Overall great factcheck and explanation!

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I like this fact check! You explain why the original title is misleading as well as another source (the Oxford study) to support your stance on why the original claim was incorrect. Additionally, linking the source was a great move. I also like how you mention that the article itself does not support its own title--insinuating that it is intentionally exaggerating or hyperbolizing to draw people in and get more views. You very clearly understood the material you read and summarized it well. Good job!

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I think the article titled "Violent Video Games Make Young People Aggressive" is a bit misleading. It mentions that playing violent video games can lead to short-term spikes in frustration or anger, but it also clearly states that these effects don’t last and don’t result in long-term aggression. The headline makes it sound like there's a permanent impact, but the research doesn’t really back that up. In fact, a study from Oxford University found no lasting link between violent video games and aggression, just that any emotional reactions are brief—kind of like the adrenaline rush you might get from playing a high-energy sport. So, I think the article’s title overstates things, and it could give the wrong impression about how video games actually affect behavior in the long run.

Answer 1

I would have to agree with the claim as stated from the APA "Playing violent video games like Doom, Wolfenstein 3D or Mortal Kombat can increase a person's aggressive thoughts, feelings and behavior both in laboratory settings and in actual life, according to two studies appearing in the April issue of the American Psychological Association's (APA)". While the studies are somewhat in the process and/or ongoing there is a massive link between aggression and violent videogmaes especially on the younger generations. I also really agreed with the claims and points made by the NY TIMES writer Anahad O'Connor and liked how he structured the article. 

Answer 2

The claim "Violent video games make young people aggressive" is definitely exaggerated. Reading more into the New York Times article that was provided, we find that violent or aggressive behavior can appear in youth after playing violent games but these effects are only short term. There has been no proof that any of these effects last long term. Diving deeper into the claim, the Youth Violence Prevention Center at the University of Michigan did research on this topic. They found that violent video games aren't the main cause of aggressive behavior, but it could be a possible factor if one is showing aggressive or violent behavior. Dr. Olsen, a professor at Michigan, points out that violent video games could be an indirect factor to violent behavior in youth. So even though there could be a short term effect of violent video games, there is no proof violent video games is a cause of violent or aggressive behavior in youth.

https://yvpc.sph.umich.edu/video-games-influence-violent-behavior/#:~:text=Although%20playing%20violent%20video%20games,for%20more%20serious%20violent%20behavior.

Answer 3

The claim that violent video games make young people aggressive is exaggerated and somewhat misleading, largely because it oversimplifies complex psychological and behavioral phenomena. Research indicates that while exposure to violent video games can "temporarily elevate hostility or aggressive tendencies in the short term", there is limited evidence to support any lasting effects on aggressive behavior. While some studies suggest that violent video games may temporarily elevate hostility, there is little evidence of lasting effects on aggression. Research, like that reviewed by psychologist Kevin M. Kieffer, shows only short-term spikes in aggression immediately following gameplay in controlled settings, without considering other factors like social and environmental influences. Long-term studies, such as one from the University of Illinois, found no enduring effects on aggression, indicating that any influence from violent games fades over time and is neither continuous nor consistent.

The New York Times, though respected, can have certain editorial biases that may influence how information is presented. In this article, Anahad O'Connor cites studies from sources like the American Psychological Association and St. Leo University, along with opposing research from the University of Illinois, to cover both sides. However, it’s important to cross-reference these findings, as media outlets often emphasize points that fit broader narratives.

Researching this further, I used Harvard Health as a source, which is reliable due to its commitment to evidence-based medical and psychological research, making it a valuable reference for health-related topics. The article explores the mixed views on violent video games and their potential effects on young people. While organizations like the AAP link video games to aggression and other negative behaviors, other researchers argue that the evidence is weak, often pointing to observational studies that don’t prove cause and effect. They note that other factors, such as personality traits and social contexts, may influence any aggressive tendencies more than gaming alone. After reading this article, my claim of exaggerated and misleading regarding the claim "Violent Video Games Make Young People Aggressive" is not quite proven, but a good argument.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/violent-video-games-and-young-people.

Answer 4

The article titled "Violent Video Games Make Young People Aggressive" is misleading and doesn’t tell the full story, as it suggests a lasting impact on aggression, which is not supported by the content. While the article mentions temporary increases in hostility after playing violent video games, it ultimately concludes that these effects are brief and do not result in long-term aggressive behavior. This article highlights public beliefs rather than hard evidence, therefore exaggerating the claim for entertainment and clickbait purposes. In an article from Harvard university, they argue that violent video games don’t correlate to real world violence, and highlights the decrease in violent crime in our youth over time, reinforcing that The NY Times claim is exaggerated.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/violent-video-games-and-young-people.