Some Thoughts Regarding Violence and Videogames

Until recently, I had long been an advocate against the idea that violent video games played a significant role in the choices or mental aspect of those that harm others with firearms. As an avid gamer, I always thought it was a silly theory. After all, how many gamers are out there that own firearms? Millions easily. But I realized that the gaming I was used to is not the gaming that is truly mainstream.

I understand the desire of many to point fingers at violent video games as the cause of some of the issues, just as many want to point the finger at Hollywood. Personally, I feel as though violent media does have some effect on the mind, but, those that understand what they are seeing can rise above the effects. My non-scientific opinion on the matter is that when it comes to movies and most video games, many are fine because they have the mental facilities to understand that what they are seeing is fiction. But, I think we may see some issues on the horizon given how the video game landscape has changed.

What I realized the other day is that I was not the average gamer. I do not enjoy playing multiplayer games, and, more and more I don't really enjoy first person shooters. But I realized that no longer are people shooting just pixels on a screen. With the popularity of online gaming, when someone virtually kills another, there is a voice attached to that image. It becomes more personal and less anonymous. I realized that there might just be something behind the realistic shooters and online gaming - especially given how the traditional family structure has deteriorated over the years.

While the argument could be made that playing a video game about war and playing paintball with friends are both war games, my instincts tell me the two are not the same. That paint ball, while real and more involved, you physically and mentally exert yourself, releasing various hormones. Whereas gaming, well, it just isn't the same.

This is a thought that I had that I wanted to share with the amazing DailyPaul community to get a discussion going. I do not want to blanket video games, even war games like Call of Duty under a negative umbrella, but I realized that the gaming I have been defending is not the gaming of the majority any longer.

Thanks,

Jeff