Video games

Ms.Belanger

AP Lang&Comp

1/30/19

Argumentative essay: Violent Video games

Videogames are always a great way to pass time and to have fun with friends but is there a certain extent when it comes to violent videogames? These games are so addicting that when a child is not monitored, he can spend all day playing games without even noticing. As videogames have become more advanced and elaborate, children’s interests are at an all-time high. Why are video games so addicting? Scientist from Stanford University’s studied this question back in 2007 study. The Stanford study reveals the neuropsychological mechanism that makes it so difficult for some videogame players, particularly men and children men’s rewards centers are especially active when playing, to tear themselves away from the screen. One may argue that parents should be the only ones to be blame for buying their kids these rated R games. Violent video games should be restricted to children under 17 this would stop bullying, less aggression, and fighting.

Therefore, violent video games cause more violence to young children especially at young age this effects their mindset and brains. Children are very common to get addicted to violent video game at a young age. The issue is especially relevant today, because the games are more realistic and bloodier than ever, and because most American boys play them at some point. These games can and does stir hostile urges and mildly aggressive behavior in the short term. According to a 2007 survey conducted by the National Institute on Media and the Family, 86 percent of American children aged 8-16 play video games in their homes. Although there is a national rating-system in place to help prevent children from gaining access to games with mature content, most retailers do not have a policy of checking ID or otherwise controlling the sales of these games to minors.

Furthermore, violent video games should be banned for the sake of children’s health it’s been scientifically proven that violent video games urge young children to be more aggressive and increase thoughts, and emption, and decreased empathy. Additionally, violent video games can desensitize people by aggressive behaviors and decreased prosocial behaviors. For example, seeing someone struggling with their homework can be a clear example of prosocial behavior; video games lower their empathy. If children are experiencing this type of behavior, then violent video games should be banned. Children playing rated R video games can lead to a violent act of some sort of way in the future as their mind continue to see expand and develop, they go on extreme killing sprees which gives them pleasure in their ventral tegmental area. For example, scientist from Lenoir-Rhyne College in North Carolina say that “Video games tend to exemplify and promote negative gender stereotypes, with male characters usually being shown as aggressive and female characters usually being sexualized.” (Lenoir-Rhyne College in North Carolina)

On the other hand, video games can be a positive and safe activity for children to have fun. However, its especially important to consider the negative and horrific side effects. Video games can be positive and fun for children at a certain age but what happens when they get their hands on a rated R video game? Children start to spend countless of hours playing these violent video games going on killing sprees making them want to keep on playing. One might argue that video games encourage children to bring positively and creative ideas, but this isn't the case here video games can easily be additive.

In conclusion video games should be banned to help children be creative and decrease aggressive behavior problems. People still argue about video games because it’s been all over social media and the world news. Every time there’s a school shooting or a violent act caused by a child parents blame video games. People should start taking extreme cautious when their child is playing video games.

WORK CITED

Chittom, Lynn-nore, and Laura Finley. “Point: Virtual Worlds Are Addictive and Time-Consuming.” Points of View: Virtual Worlds & MMORPGs, Mar. 2016, p. 2. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=28675353&site=pov-live.

Issitt, Micah, and Katherine Walker. “Point: Video Games Should Be Celebrated and Improved Rather than Prohibited.” Points of View: Video Games, Jan. 2017, p. 2. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=28675349&site=pov-live.

Lee, M., and Laura Finley. “Counterpoint: Video Games Are Addictive and Promote Irresponsible Behavior.” Points of View: Video Games, Jan. 2017, p. 3. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=28675350&site=pov-live.