Violent Video Games Can Cause Lasting Effects on Adolescents

Recent research has proven that the violent video games, which consume much of the younger generation's free time, can cause lasting harm . Because they are a "casual game" the younger generation does not understand the actual repercussions of these actions. Video games can actually lead addicion in which case the consequences can be even more intense and last for long periods of time. For more information on thsi topic, please read my research paper attached below.

Research Paper

In order to further understand my arguments about the negative effects of video games, please read the paper attached below. This paper gives detailed descriptions of the negative effects that could occur if one were to spend an exaggerated amount of time playing video games. Backed up by scientific research, this paper makes is clear just how harmful video games can be on the mind and body of the player.

Video Games Are Harmful and Destructive Research Paper

Picture

This picture, taken from the New York Times Article "Shooting in the Dark" demonstrates the direct connection between violent video games and the brain.

Violent Video Games: The Repercusssions Video

Click to this video in order to see the violence portrayed in video games and the effect it has.

Violent Video Games: The Repercusssions

More Resources

This article titled "Shooting in the Dark" was found in the New York Times February 2013. It goes into detail about new research that has been conducted in order to better understand the effects of violent video games.
New York Times "Shooting in the Dark"

A psychologist at The Ohio State University, Brad Bushman, is leading research into the effect of violent video games on adolesents. This article gives a description of the experiments he conducted and the results he found.

The Ohio State University-Brad Bushman

Another devastating repercusion of violent video games is their ability to become addictve. NBC reporter Kristin Kalning discusses reasons why video games can become addictive.

NBC-What makes video games addictive

Infographic

This infographic demonstrates the negative effects of violent video games on the body, the amount of teenagers who play video games, and the most frequently played video games in a visually pleasing way.

How Does this Relate to Catholic Social Teaching?

Violent video games relate to two of the Catholic Social Teachings: Care for God's Creation, and Life and Dignity of the Human Spirit. These violent video games encourage violent behavior as a reasonable response for any situation. Also, while partcipating in these games, people are witnessing violence to innocent, and unarmed people. Because people are willing to expose themselves to this form of senseless visual massacre they are violating the social teaching that says to Care for God's creation. Violet video games also use intense graphics to dehumanize women and make them seem like props. This form of disrespectful imagery does not respect the Life and Dignity of the Human Spirit.