Why Do Video Games Cause Desensitization To Violence?

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This is a controversial topic and most people have an opinion going on either sides of the issue. Most researchers and scientists would agree that there is some connection between violence found in games and other social media, and the violence caused by playing or using games and other social media. Through the research and evidence gathered it can be said that video games can have negative effects in many adolescent's lives due to them being desensitized to violence, poorer physical health, and social interaction being decreased. Some of the negative effects include increased aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, decreased prosocial behavior, and wrong values being learned through games.
One reason for these negative effects is that …show more content…

One major area that is affected by video games is mental health. Attention, academics, and addiction to video games are some areas that are affected. Attention suffers because it decreases long-term concentration, but on the other side it does usually increase short-term concentration. Academics suffer also because of the time spent on video games rather than on school work. Students who play video games average about 13 hours per week on video games (McGraw). This can take a toll on any students academics. "A study by Argosy University's Minnesota School on Professional Psychology found that video game addicts argue a lot with their teachers, fight a lot with their friends, and score lower grades than others who play video games less often. Other studies show that many game players routinely skip their homework to play games, and many students admitted that their video game habits are often responsible for poor school grades." (Raise Smart Kid). Academics suffer at the hands of video games. Academics shouldn't have to be hurt by video games. Games are not more important than a child's future. One major reason why kids play so much video games is that they are addicted to playing video games. "A study by the Minneapolis-based National Institute for Media and the Family suggests that video games can be addictive for kids, and that the kids' addiction to video games increases their depression and anxiety levels. Addicted kids also exhibit social phobias. Not surprisingly, kids addicted to video games see their school performance suffer." (Raise Smart Kid). Not only do video games affect academics but also depression, anxiety levels, and social phobias. Kids also can confuse reality from fantasy. These are some mental issues found by playing too much video

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