As long as I have been gaming, I have heard that violent games lead to real acts of violent behavior. I don’t believe that, and trust me I have played some pretty horrific games. But if you have been watching the press of late, then you would have no doubt hear the politicians point their crooked fingers at games. Firstly I find it quite ironic that Trump whose hands are dripping red, points a finger at the gaming industry. He washes the masses with an ideology of segregation and hostility, but believes that games are the root cause? Sometimes I wish he would just build a wall around himself…
But Games are Pretty graphic these days
Indeed they are, but so are horror movies and believe it or not books. The visuals of games have reached levels of realism that has never been thought to be possible and with next-generation hardware out soon, we will push that envelope further. But have you watched the news lately, the horror that is a reality? It far outweighs that over the top scenarios that are presented in games. Here is South Africa the crimes escalate at an alarming rate. Violence is real, there is no doubt. But to solely lay the blame on the doorstep of the gaming industry is ignorance. But then how does one warrant warfare? PTSD? How is the genocide of warfare any less than that of 31 people? In fact personally, I feel it is worse. A soldier is paid to kill, anyone and anything his superior decide regardless of his or her own morals. What this would do to one’s soul I cannot even fathom.
American Politicians
Another key point, is why are 90% of terrorist attacks originate in the United States of America? If we run the math, games are a worldwide phenomenon. The most violent games are most often the most successful reaching every corner of the globe. But seems to spark acts of terrorism only within the USA? Quite frankly it does not add up. The truth is games are an easy target for politicians to implicate. There have been case studies to determine if there is a link between fabricated violence in games and real acts of terrorism. Most disprove this but they have yet to be a full-on consensus. And that may be the biggest problem. Until there is an official unanimous agreement, politicians will continue to use games as a scapegoat.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/05/sports/trump-violent-video-games-studies.html
Mental Health
In today’s high octane life, mental health is more important than it has ever been. Depression and anxiety are more common than cardio and diabetes. Teenagers are under immense pressure. Between the demands of real-life and social media pressures, the young mind is barely coping. Games can be a great way to escape and reduce these stress levels. But like a loaded gun, in the hands of a less stable mind can be deadly. The truth is we need to start treating mental health as serious as it really is. Poor mental health does not mean that you are looney. It means you need help, guidance or maybe something as simple as someone to listen to you. A kind ear has the power to work miracles. Miracles are needed today more than ever. Health Insurance is also hurting the cause. Their unwillingness to include mental health care in most of their plans leaves most families without any real options.
In the End
It doesn’t really matter what the truth is, the government will frame any entity to protect its own shortcomings. Change is hard, change is long but change is inevitable. It’s up to us and the generations that follow to prove that humanity is not beyond saving. Save the ozone, save the cheerleader, save the world…
Facts, Myths, and Theories
