Violent video games have been considered to be a risk factor for aggressive behavior, promotion of violence and the cause of mental illness in children who play them. An example of a violent video game is the shooters game. There has been public outcry questioning the impact of video games in children who spend much of their time playing these video games.

Studies have been carried out, and they have shown that violent video games increase aggression in children. A large number of children who play these games portray aggressive thoughts, behaviors and even feelings. Children who have been exposed to these video games for a more extended period become more aggressive and can hardly notice aggressive behavior. Competition among players in a video game is a better predictor of aggressive behavior in children who play them. Violent videos, therefore, teaches those who play them that physical aggression is the only preferred problem-solving approach.

Another problem that has been associated with these video games is violence in teens. Video games desensitize children to actual physical violence and cause the players to act on violent thoughts that they otherwise would have ignored. Studies to prove that violent video games create violent behaviors in their players have been hard to carry out. However, the fact that these violent videos cause aggressive behavior, it will, therefore, make sense that these aggressive behaviors would result in more lethal violence and criminal activities. There have been media reports blaming video games for school shootings in teens. However, studies have not proved the truth in this, and therefore it remains to be an assumption.

Video games where the players kill other players using weapons to survive are thought to cause violent thoughts in teens. The primary goals of certain video games are to kill others to survive. Children who are still developing may adapt these tactics and use them in real life situation leading to an increase in violent behaviors among teens.

Possibilities of violent video games causing mental illness among its players have been seriously looked at. Gaming disorders fall under addictive behaviors according to the World Health Organization. World Health Organization has taken specific steps to try and prove this problem by defining what gaming disorder is. The first step is in the duration which one take in playing these video games, and the second is the priority given to these games over specific responsibilities by the players. Lastly, whether the behavior continues despite adverse consequences suffered by an individual due to playing these violent games, such consequences may include harm to social life, one’s occupation, and damage to family life. Gaming is, therefore, a harmful activity when undertaken for a prolonged period.

In 2013, the America Psychiatric Association classified internet gaming disorder in their DSM-5 as a condition for further studies. Classifying it in this category does not officially recognize it as a disorder but warrant more research. There are thus questions around its cause for mental illness.

Therefore, violent video games have been linked to aggressive, violent behaviors and also mental illness. Parents are therefore advised to understand each child’s needs and create plans that monitor kids’ activities on video games. This should be done sensibly by the parents without confusing little love for games to be an addiction.

 
Do you need high quality Custom Essay Writing Services?