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Are violent computer games harmless fun or a dangerous pastime?

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  • 16-11-2012 3:28pm
    #1
    davet82
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,753 ✭✭✭


    New research by Brock University in Canada claims to have found the first
    clear link between teenagers playing graphic titles and displaying aggressive
    behaviour in real life.

    Researchers said games like Grand Theft Auto could be teaching kids that
    aggression is an "appropriate way to deal with conflict and anger"

    “But I am convinced that the graphics in computer games are now so realistic that children can’t tell if they are computer generated or not and that’s what causes this behaviour.”

    I'm a bit skeptical, i loved shoot'em ups as a kid (although with an 8bit console :pac: ) and it done me no harm... i think :)


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    #2
    SEPT 23 1989
    Registered Users Posts: 43,024 ✭✭✭✭SEPT 23 1989


    When i was a pup they were blaming Gangsta Rap:D


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    #3
    Tombi!
    Registered Users Posts: 6,689 ✭✭✭Tombi!


    One: you're supposed to be 18 to play those.
    Two: I've been playing Mortal Kombat games since I was 6 years old or so and the GTA games since I was about 10 years old.

    I agree that these games teach me that violence solves everything.

    But I also learned that from violent films also.

    Now, I spend time aiming for the civilians I see on the paths. At the moment, I have the army after me.


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    #4
    Amirani
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 12,521 Mod ✭✭✭✭Amirani


    Is alcohol a dangerous addictive drug or a harmless substance that allows people to relax?

    It very much depends on the user, like video games.


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    #5
    krudler
    Registered Users Posts: 34,788 ✭✭✭✭krudler


    simple solution, stupid parents shouldn't buy 18 rated games for kids.


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    #6
    Tombi!
    Registered Users Posts: 6,689 ✭✭✭Tombi!


    krudler wrote: »
    simple solution, stupid parents shouldn't buy 18 rated games for kids.

    An even better solution is "don't do a bad job raising your kids".


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    #7
    Mousewar
    Registered Users Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭Mousewar


    It's terrible to see kids indoors playing these games all day. They should be outside stabbing and shanking and pimping for real, like in the old days.


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    #8
    Dymo
    Registered Users Posts: 1,559 ✭✭✭Dymo


    They keep kids off the streets and out of trouble


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    #9
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Brutal Deluxe wrote: »
    Two: I've been playing Mortal Kombat games since I was 6 years old

    Same.

    Thankfully I wasn't able to rip that guy's spine out through his back.


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    #10
    Icyseanfitz
    Registered Users Posts: 7,409 ✭✭✭Icyseanfitz


    oh its this argument again :rolleyes:


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    #11
    Anita Blow
    Registered Users Posts: 1,933 ✭✭✭Anita Blow


    Well instead of inept parents parents buying 18s games for their kids and then complaining that the government should do something, they should demonstrate a little personal responsibility and stop buying violent games for their 10 year olds.


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    #12
    Seifer
    Registered Users Posts: 2,265 ✭✭✭Seifer


    “But I am convinced that the graphics in computer games are now so realistic that children can’t tell if they are computer generated or not and that’s what causes this behaviour.”
    What is that supposed to mean? That children think they are controlling real people with their xbox controller?


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    #13
    Local-womanizer
    Registered Users Posts: 3,798 ✭✭✭Local-womanizer


    Parents need to realise that game ratings should be treated like movie ratings.

    I think we should ban stupid parents.


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    #14
    Riddle101
    Registered Users Posts: 8,380 ✭✭✭Riddle101


    Harmless fun, for the kids who have enough sense. I remember getting Grand Theft Auto 3 when I was 12, GTA:VC when I was 13 and GTA:SA when I was 14, and and I turned out fine. It really goes down to how a kid is raised.


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    #15
    davet82
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,753 ✭✭✭davet82


    super mario taught me to jump on peoples heads


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    #16
    Mr. CooL ICE
    Registered Users Posts: 17,503 ✭✭✭✭Mr. CooL ICE


    Sonic turned me into a jewellery thief


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    #17
    Mr Benevolent
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    The Ballad of Gay Tony taught me to always wear a parachute.


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    #18
    krudler
    Registered Users Posts: 34,788 ✭✭✭✭krudler


    when i worked in retail and GTA San Andreas came out we had to explain to parents buying it what it was about, and the amount of them who shrugged their shoulders and bought it anyway for like a 9 year old was shocking, you know they'd be the first people ringing Joe Duffy the next day after their precious backed a truck over a hooker.


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    #19
    mikom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16,391 ✭✭✭✭mikom


    Genghis Khan was a divil for the ould GTA vice city.


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    #20
    Tombi!
    Registered Users Posts: 6,689 ✭✭✭Tombi!


    I used to be a normal 10 year old boy.
    I played Tomb Raider and now I'm a 30 year old woman with D cups and hunting for relics in tombs.


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    #21
    shruikan2553
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,113 ✭✭✭shruikan2553


    Varies from person to person. These games are made for people over 16 and 18 so a 8 year old shouldnt be playing them unless the parents were sure that their child was responsible. We all know alcohol is bad for 5 year olds so we only sell it to over 18s. If parents dont want to parent then its their own problem if little jimmy starts being violent after playing call of duty online for hours a day.


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    #22
    Big Nasty
    Registered Users Posts: 22,080 ✭✭✭✭Big Nasty


    NiallSparky wrote: »
    Is alcohol a dangerous addictive drug or a harmless substance that allows people to relax?

    It very much depends on the user, like video games.

    Exactly, the report is like saying there's a link between alcohol and alcoholics.

    Oh, wait. :o


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    #23
    youreadthat
    Registered Users Posts: 761 ✭✭✭youreadthat


    I just don't know where games end and reality begins. I mean, I haven't had sex and murdered that many prostitutes right...RIGHT?!


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    #24
    NTMK
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,575 ✭✭✭NTMK


    krudler wrote: »
    when i worked in retail and GTA San Andreas came out we had to explain to parents buying it what it was about, and the amount of them who shrugged their shoulders and bought it anyway for like a 9 year old was shocking, you know they'd be the first people ringing Joe Duffy the next day after their precious backed a truck over a hooker.

    Did you get the angry parents giving out about how the never saw the big ****ing 18 on the box or never heard the warning you have to give every time someone buys a game?
    They're such joyful people to deal with


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    #25
    R0ot
    Registered Users Posts: 4,473 ✭✭✭R0ot


    Yes because teenagers were never violent before video games....


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    #26
    flutterflye
    Registered Users Posts: 3,538 ✭✭✭flutterflye


    It can prime an aggressive reaction, but not cause aggression, and certainly not cause deviant behavior or anything like that.


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    #27
    B.A._Baracus
    Registered Users Posts: 11,173 ✭✭✭✭B.A._Baracus


    I think anyone who says that video games corrupt peoples minds needs to step out of their bubble and live in the real world.


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    #28
    Casillas
    Registered Users Posts: 317 ✭✭Casillas


    Im sure the First World War happened because of insults over headsets during a COD clan match.


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    #29
    krudler
    Registered Users Posts: 34,788 ✭✭✭✭krudler


    NTMK wrote: »
    Did you get the angry parents giving out about how the never saw the big ****ing 18 on the box or never heard the warning you have to give every time someone buys a game?
    They're such joyful people to deal with

    oh god yeah , games a disgrace, kids play this, blah blah blahhhh. people really need to stop seeing gaming as kids pastime, it hasnt been for years, if it ever was. wouldnt let your kid watch an 18 rated film? dont let them play an 18 rated game then.


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    #30
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    It always amuses me how a parent would freak out over a kid seeing a movie that is rated too old for them, yet have no problem with them playing the likes of GTA.

    They're rated for a reason. They're not for children.


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    #31
    Anyone
    Registered Users Posts: 3,376 ✭✭✭Anyone


    I do think they can desentise them to violence and the consequences of violence, but that can also be said of all media these days.


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