Are violent video games damaging to society? Page 3

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 15 2009, 8:24 PM GMT

Personally I believe there is a link sometimes, that in some weak-conscienced individuals the disassociation involved can affect their behaviour. Because we are so used to the fantasy of TV and cinema, we can often view images of real people in suffering and become de-sensitised. The same can be applied to certain indiviuals playing certain games; and it can trigger violent tendancies.

View original

For once I agree with Dolly, that on rare occassions you will have some people who are 'inspired' by whatever media is placed in front of them.

For centuries people were inspired by The Bible to commit all sorts of horrible crimes and the 'God made me do it' argument has been put up in more trials as a defence then GTA 4.

Though I think the kids running around Hackney shooting and stabbing each other aren't directly effected by video games - I think poverty, drugs and gang culture has more to do with it.

But if I was facing a jail sentence for murder and my lawyer said I would serve less time if I could blame an external factor for my deviant behaviour - well then, the choice is easy.

Quote: Leevil @ November 15 2009, 8:37 PM GMT

Was that before or after they became the biggest name in the game?

View original

They just posted $400 million in losses, so they may be big, but they're not particularly profitable.

I blame the absence of giant panEuropean war.

Kids used to be able to pop over to Frogland or Sausage land and bayonet half a dozen babies, burn down a church and rape something.
GTA is a poor alternative.

I think some portrayals of violence do get inside some people's heads more than others; whether it be in real life or make belief. I'm not saying it's the only factor, but it is a contributing one.

I would say a young person raised in poverty and domestic violence, with a low self-esteem from parental neglect and a chaotic family life, smoking skunk and playing violent video games for hours at a time, could be more liable to commit violent acts.

It's a question of sophistication of the media versus the observer.

Rifenstahl inspired massive genocide, Rwandan genocide was kicked off by the equivalent of Hospital radio.

Computer games may play a small role, but compared to poverty and over monitoring of schools etc.

Quote: sootyj @ November 15 2009, 9:05 PM GMT

Rwandan genocide was kicked off by the equivalent of Hospital radio.

View original

Just read this morning that the man who inspired the Hotel Rwanda film has moved into a house less than a mile from mine.

The hotel owner? Could you buy him a beer for me?

Quote: sootyj @ November 15 2009, 9:20 PM GMT

The hotel owner?

View original

Yep. I'll buy him a beer if I ever run into him.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Hotel_Rwanda_hero_at_home_in_SA.html

Ok the public service award is a bit mean. I mean imagine your the local guy who recycled 20,000 cans or something.

Quote: Gavin @ November 15 2009, 10:24 AM GMT

Watching The Big Question on BBC. This issue came up and they talked nonesense about it. What do you think?

View original

Yes. Nuff said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQpcO8x6NNY

Quote: DaButt @ November 18 2009, 2:07 AM GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQpcO8x6NNY

View original

That's how I felt after watching Phoneshop.

*rubs eyes*

>_<

Quote: Leevil @ November 18 2009, 2:11 AM GMT

That's how I felt after watching Phoneshop.

View original

I liked the bit when he punched the wall. Before that, he was losing my respect.

Incidentally, I sent my soon-to-be girlfriend a video much like that.

Two years later...

And the restraining order is still in affect.

*punches wall*

I can't so much blame video games, more the fact that the kid obviously has the emotional maturity of a 5 year old. Which is unlikely to be his games console's fault.

My ex has acted like that many times.