Violence in the media: a reference handbook

This extract from a book by Nancy Signorielli looks at the violence in the media, especially across the main platforms of television and films. However, this book also looks at violence in video games and the effect on the audience and the link between violence and the audience.

Important quotes from the extract on 'Violence in Video games':

"Today, most children play real-time, first- person shooter (FPS) games in which "the players view the world through the eyes of the video game character that they control".

This quote suggests that more people tend to play first person shooter games as the players themselves are involved in the action from first hand.

"The potential effects (and theoretical perspectives) of video games on aggression are similar to those of television violence."

In effect, the aggression generated from playing violent video games is similar to violence on platforms such as television and films, where action is instantaneous. Though, on television, the violence is similar, as children's shows such as Power Rangers are typically based around a conflict and the stereotypical binary opposition of good vs evil.

"... A recent meta analysis found that the overall effect of video game playing on aggression is considerably smaller than the effects of television violence, there is cause for concern because children are the primary users of this medium"

The fact that these games are aimed at children is potentially damaging, as children are easily influenced by what they see and could reenact this violence, as seen in television with wrestling and shows where violence is active.

" ... those who play video games become intentionally and actively involved in the action."

This quote suggests that violent video games are a concern, as their design and graphics are so real , that the player is actively involved in the game, as evident in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, where the player has to complete missions in order to progress to the next level.

"... parents are even less likely to actively participate in video game playing and be relatively unaware of the kind of images seen in these games".

This quotation shows that violent video games are a concern, as parents don't understand or have any knowledge of what their children see when they are playing these games. In effect, parents may be unaware of the content of the games and the game ratings, as their children are mindlessly shooting people and are prone to expletives which may influence them. The fact that these games are more advanced may lead parents to be detached and unable to enjoy the games.


http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=MJkGiCsCkcIC&lpg=PP1&dq=violence%20a%20reference%20handbook&pg=PA37#v=onepage&q&f=false