JUST SHOOT HIM

On your left! Your other left, you idiot! Just peak him! Shoot him! You suck! Put a bullet in his head! You’re so bad!

If you heard every one of these thoughts constantly every day, do you think it would get to you? Do you think you would crack under the insults? Do you think you would get upset? Angry? Or do you think this would make you toughen up? Get better? Be more resistant to the messages? Well, people go both ways. Violence in video games in this day and age is normal. 97% of teens play video games, and 66% play violent video games, including gore, blood, guts, etc. These video games (and gamers) are obviously more extreme than non-violent video games. In fact, after playing 20 minutes of violent video games, teens had higher heart

Design by: Carter Houchins-Witt

rates then those playing non-violent video games. According to Cleveland State University, this also numbs them to some violence, as teens who play violent video games have a lower heart rate when viewing real life violence than those who play non-violent video games. Violent video games also cause more aggression. Despite this, there are some positives as well. For example, violent video games improve motor skills more than non-violent ones. It also increases focus, as well as hand-eye coordination. It also increases reaction time. Video games also cause children to have a more positive attitude, and yes, a positive attitude is different than an aggressive attitude, and you can have them both. Video games cause children to be more likely to work together.

Some people may argue that violence in video games is a negative. However, it is a net positive. Video games even make children more likely to work together. Video games can create social groups, and give more options for paths to pursue. It also gives them real life skills, which can outweigh the numbness to violence. In conclusion, video games cause children to succeed more in life with a positive attitude the whole time, even if it is an aggressive attitude. Excessive video games should never be allowed in children, but video games should be allowed and encouraged, to increase life skills. It really helps people later in life. Wouldn’t you want to have fun while gaining skills you are going to use in life?

Written by: Carter Houchins-Witt

Video Game Stats

Just under half of video games contain forms of violence

51% not violent video games

49% violent video games

BY MIELA MILLER-JACOBS

DESIGN BY MIELA MILLER-JACOBS