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!

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.