heacy hitter wrote:I have done some research on video games and violence for media last year. Studies say that people can be influenced by violence in games; but their are other things that are a bigger influence.

Kilkrazy wrote:I would not rule out that children can be affected by video games. Psychological research shows that children's cognitive skills and ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality are not properly developed.

It's an area where most people are happy with censorship on the grounds of caution. Children don't need to play 18+ titles. There are plenty of age suitable titles available.

Toastedandy wrote:When I worked in Game, and a parent or child wanted to buy GTA, Resident Evil, Witch hunter etc we had to tell the parents it was an 18 game and contained graphic violence, swearing etc. 99% of the time the parent didn't care or the kid persuaded them with a tantrum. Its the age we live in. Captilisim is what it is. Bring on the commies

jirc wrote:Viewing a lot violence, whether real or computer generated, over time, will desensitise children to it.

Games such as Grand Theft Auto with plenty of said violence, should not be played by people under 18, as their brains are still not fully developed.


But hey, I'm just a builder... That's just my two cents. But saying that, I have kids, and they will not be playing anything with violence in it until they can afford to buy it them selves.

FITZZ wrote:

Kilkrazy wrote:I would not rule out that children can be affected by video games. Psychological research shows that children's cognitive skills and ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality are not properly developed.

It's an area where most people are happy with censorship on the grounds of caution. Children don't need to play 18+ titles. There are plenty of age suitable titles available.

I agree that very young children shouldn't be playing graphic violent video games, but must admit I am somewhat skeptical when I hear the argument that " violent games lead to real life violence"...
I can't help but think of the comic book "witch hunts" of the 50's in which comics were blamed for all sorts of " social ill's".
...I just see the finger pointing at video games as politicians and "concerned parents" picking an easy scapegoat.

sarpedons-right-hand wrote:But surely a responsible parent would not even contemplate buying thier 7 yr old an 18+ game?
...However, they did believe me to be a trustworthy young man. As such I had free reign when it came to watching movies.

sarpedons-right-hand wrote:I do agree with all if you. However, it's not so much the violence in movies, music and games. That has always been around, Tom and Jerry anyone?

It's more the fact that graphic scenes and lyrics have become somewhat socially acceptable in todays world. Before the advent of CGI it was almost impossible to depict the writers true vision. Some early 80's horror films, such as Hellraiser and Braindead, would be alot more graphic if remade using modern methods. The fact that today these movies seem relatively tame is an indictment of modern society.....

Violent video games were around in the early 90's, Streets Of Rage etc. These are now considered to be almost childish. In another 10 years or so, so will games like GT:A.

biccat wrote:

sarpedons-right-hand wrote:But surely a responsible parent would not even contemplate buying thier 7 yr old an 18+ game?
...However, they did believe me to be a trustworthy young man. As such I had free reign when it came to watching movies.

What's the difference between irresponsible parenting where the parents let the kid watch whatever damn movies (video games) they want and responsible parenting where the parents respect the child's choice to watch whatever damn movies (video games) they want?

Kilkrazy wrote:

FITZZ wrote:

Kilkrazy wrote:I would not rule out that children can be affected by video games. Psychological research shows that children's cognitive skills and ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality are not properly developed.

It's an area where most people are happy with censorship on the grounds of caution. Children don't need to play 18+ titles. There are plenty of age suitable titles available.

I agree that very young children shouldn't be playing graphic violent video games, but must admit I am somewhat skeptical when I hear the argument that " violent games lead to real life violence"...
I can't help but think of the comic book "witch hunts" of the 50's in which comics were blamed for all sorts of " social ill's".
...I just see the finger pointing at video games as politicians and "concerned parents" picking an easy scapegoat.

It is reminiscent of the Victorian concerns about the penny dreadfuls.

sarpedons-right-hand wrote:Hi all!

After reading all the news coverage that is splashed all over the front pages today, and among all the terrible news about the riots and looting now engulfing our green and pleasant land, one thing made me lol....
If you should turn to page 7 of your copy of the Daily Hate Mail today, in amongst all the news about the police not coping and the awful loss and destruction suffered, there is a little text box in the corner.

That 'bastion of britishness' that is the Mail is trying to prove again, that Grand Theft Auto is the root of all evil....
According to 'a policeman' (name not supplied), "These kids are out of control. When I was young it was Pacman and board games. Now they are playing Grand Theft Auto and wanting to live it for themselves"

Ummmmmmm, lolwut?

If you are stupid enough to be influenced by a computer game then you should be locked up as par for the course. It's due to blinkered officers like that that kids are able to have excuses for the stupid gak that they pull....
It's never gone away, the link between violent films, games, books etc and the atrocities that some people pull off. It's merely an excuse.

And I, for one, am really pissed off by it....

What do you guys think? Is there really a link between the video games and books that are produced these days and real life violence?
Surely not?

biccat wrote:What's the difference between irresponsible parenting where the parents let the kid watch whatever damn movies (video games) they want and responsible parenting where the parents respect the child's choice to watch whatever damn movies (video games) they want?

Maybe this would all blow over if we had real equality and moar pandering, after all these people are angry because they are oppressed and the police should be better off leaving rioters alone to calm down naturally and concentrate on the reasl evils like the EDL. While they arent about thats only further proof of their involvement by their conspicuous absense.

Ouze wrote: The discussion about whether or not video games cause aggression in violence is not yet possible to have, as there have been a great many inconclusive studies on the topic.

Mr Hyena wrote:

Maybe this would all blow over if we had real equality and moar pandering, after all these people are angry because they are oppressed and the police should be better off leaving rioters alone to calm down naturally and concentrate on the reasl evils like the EDL. While they arent about thats only further proof of their involvement by their conspicuous absense.

Opressed? they aren't oppressed. They just want free stuff. Leave rioters alone? What do you explain then to the people they threaten, rape, steal from and how do you compensate the store owners and companies who had buildings burned down? I don't think people fully appreciate the economic damage that has been done.

EDL haven't commited anything here. Animals went on riot. Obviously the animals are the criminals.

HellsGuardian316 wrote:@CptJake

The armed police in the UK also have extensive training much like the military as when dealing with civilians in the vicinity they have to make judgement calls over if someone if a threat or not extremely and then to respond with force if required. I can't speak for the military as I don't know much about the internal workings, but I have had experience with the armed police. Though not for the wrong reasons lol.

CptJake wrote:

Ouze wrote: The discussion about whether or not video games cause aggression in violence is not yet possible to have, as there have been a great many inconclusive studies on the topic.

I disagree completely. (snip) What reputable studies prove otherwise?

Ouze wrote:

CptJake wrote:

Ouze wrote: The discussion about whether or not video games cause aggression in violence is not yet possible to have, as there have been a great many inconclusive studies on the topic.

I disagree completely. (snip) What reputable studies prove otherwise?

Here you go! The APA is reputable, yes?

I'm telling you, man. For every study showing videogames cause violence, there is another showing well, who knows? It depends largely on who is funding the studies.

I'm not taking a stance either way. I'm saying it's still fungible. Maybe in 20 years.

Mr Hyena wrote:There isn't. But hes somewhat right. Its not games or books; but there is a total lack of respect that is taught. Kids are raised to hate the police.

CptJake wrote:1st, your study (at least the summary you linked to) states that it does appear to cause violence in a subset of kids.[/url]

FITZZ wrote:
Not disputing that viewing violent images can lead to a child being desensitized , I've been watching horror films since I could walk and I certianly don't get shaken up by them..

Stormrider wrote:Blaming the baby sitter (GTA) doesn't make up for bad parenting.

htj wrote:Surely you aren't saying that the media, by publicising and showing how unstoppable these oh-so-exciting riots are, and by telling everyone how the criminals are going unpunished and getting a whole bunch of free stuff are somehow encouraging people to loot and riot?

Testify, brother. Chalk me up as an 'entertainment news' hater.