The lights are on
A recent study indicates that video games may be keeping young Americans from committing crime, even when those games are particularly violent. Several laboratory studies and analyses have focused on the possible ways in which exposure to violent video games can increase aggressive impulse in young people. However, a recent study aims to take a broader look at the equation. Specifically, "Understanding the Effects of Violent Video Games on Violent Crime" (Cunningham, Scott, Engelstätter, Benjamin and Ward, Michael R.) takes a look at the idea that people playing video games inside are not outside committing crimes, even if those games are violent and even if there is an increase in aggression.The study ultimately concludes that "violent video games lead to decreases in violent crime". In the study's introduction, the case is laid out in relatively understandable terms: "In this paper, we argue that since laboratory experiments have not examined the time use effects of video games, which incapacitate violent activity by drawing individual gamers into extended gameplay, laboratory studies may be poor predictors of the net effects of violent video games in society. Consequently, they overstate the importance of video game induced aggression as a social cost. We argue that since both aggression and time use are a consequence of playing violent video games, then the policy relevance of violent video game regulation depends critically on the degree to which the one outweighs the other. If, as we find in our study, the time use effect of violent video games reduce crime by more than the aggression effects increase it, then the case for regulatory intervention becomes weaker."The study was quoted in a recent BBC article that discusses 10 possible reasons why the US crime rate has been falling. Thanks to Kotaku for spotting the story. What effect do you think this study should have on lawmakers looking to limit access of violent video games to children? Do you believe a study like this should have any bearing on the soon-to-release ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on Brown vs. EMA?
Email the author Matt Miller, or follow on Game Informer.
Wait a minute, so violent video games can prevent the individual from criminal activity if they face the aggressive reality behind it? In a way that may make some sense. It's all based on time and aggression effects on children. Interesting
Take that congress you sons of bitches
This article is deffinetely good news to my ear. Nevertheless I still don't believe this should be used as any sort of excuse to allow children to play excessively violent games beyond their age.
I don't really get what they're saying here. Have they tested this? Is there conclusive proof that prospective criminals are playing video games instead? I'm all for good publicity for games, but I'd like it to be 100% irrefutable.
And thus society requires its brain after 50 years of *** about video games.
And yet this study will go without note, quote, or recognition whenever the next alarmist politician tries to make a case damning video games as if they are any different from another form of media -- be it literature or film, there are parallels to be drawn that are never brought up in these political discussions.
the time makes sense....never thought of that
Lol, I'm actually extremely happy this finally happened.
I figured that there would be a lot of comments on this article, however I am concerned about why now of all times? I mean it's cool and all don't get me wrong, but why couldn't they do this study YEARS ago like in the 90's even or back when Video Games really needed it. I mean people even tried to link the Columbine killers to Doom and violent video games in general. Oh well. I'm just glad to see a public source that DEFENDS violent video games.
Hahahahaha. Finally, someone has PROOF that proves my mom wrong. (:
Bulletstorm here I come!Very interesting article.
I was gunna go blow up a daycare, but I kinda was trying to fininsh master ninja mode on Ninja Gaiden II
Soo just drop ratings period. And lets train kids from infancy with violent video games cause they have absolutely no effect on them from this study...