Do Video Games Really Cause Violence? Debunking the Myth

For years, video games have been the subject of intense debate regarding their impact on behavior and morality. Many believe that playing these games, especially those that depict violent scenarios, can lead to real-world violence. However, this notion is a misconception that often lacks substantial evidence. In this article, we will explore the truth behind the claim and provide real-life examples to underscore the point that video games do not cause real-life violence.

Personal Experiences: A Case Study

Consider my personal experiences to understand that video games do not necessarily translate into violent behavior in the real world. I have been playing video games for over 30 years, and during this time:

I can count the number of people I have killed in games on my fingers. The number of people I have seen killed gruesomely in games is countless. The ways in which the characters or creatures in games die in ways that would make the general public uncomfortable is too numerous to count. No real people have been physically harmed as a result of my gaming activities.

When it comes to my real-life demeanor, I am quite the opposite of a potential instigator of violence. In real life, I am a quiet and shy individual who would never consider harming anyone.

Violence in Games vs. Real Life

The key difference lies in what I become when I am immersed in a game versus my real-life persona:

When gaming, I am loud, brash, and willing to take on any challenge or opponent that looks at me the wrong way. In real life, I do not exhibit these traits and lashing out violently or shouting at others is entirely out of character.

Interestingly, the violent acts I indulge in during gaming sessions actually serve as a deterrent against real-life violence. My friends and family members who know me well would describe me as sweet and caring, but if they saw me play a game, they would be surprised by the drastic change in my behavior. This change, however, is confined to the gaming realm and does not spill over into my real life.

Scientific Evidence and Expert Opinions

Jo Thompson provides a detailed explanation regarding the relationship between video games and violent behavior. She asserts:

The short answer is no. The more detailed explanation: There is no correlation between violent video games and violent acts. In fact, for someone with naturally violent urges, video games can act as a substitute for those urges, leading someone who might have otherwise engaged in violence to channel that need into an activity that harms nobody.

Thompson explains further that games such as Fortnite and PUBG, which are highly popular among gamers, are appreciated because they allow players to engage in violent scenarios without any real-world consequences. The act of killing in a game is harmless, as it does not result in the loss of life, pain, or any loss to another individual's well-being.

Every human being has some form of undesirable urge that can manifest in various ways. Video games provide a safe and controllable outlet for these urges.“They serve as a method to act out these urges without affecting others. Different individuals are drawn to different types of games based on their interests, and those interests do not dictate their real-life behavior.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, while video games like Fortnite, PUBG, and others can simulate and even glorify violent scenarios, they do not and cannot instill violent tendencies in players in the real world. It is the individual's inherent character and real-life behavior that determines their actions, not the games they play. Therefore, it is crucial not to jump to conclusions based on false narratives and to instead support responsible gaming and engage in meaningful discussions that underscore the reality of video games.