When killing becomes a game
Does video game aggression lead to real-life violence?
Are violent video games turning kids into online soldiers? With the latest edition of the ‘Call of Duty’ video game series selling $500 million in the first 24 hours, gaming as an entertainment medium has never been more popular. Although the game is made for people older than 17, an increasing number of underage kids are having their parents buy them so they can play. Can violence in games find its way to real life?
In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:
Douglas Gentile
Professor of Psychology, Iowa State University
drdouglas.org
Christopher Ferguson
Professor, Texas A&M International University
tamiu.edu/~cferguson
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What do you think? Should parents allow their kids to play violent video games? Is there evidence that video game aggression leads to real life violence? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.