Every time a certain type of tragedy happens, I wait for the inevitable lazy journalism that people pick up on:"...aaaaand he played video games." EVERY TIME.
Usually from people who do not even know what variety of games there actually are and who do not play themselves. But it fits a certain repetitive mindset and message. If someone does something horrible to others, the narrative goes, he is from a bad cult like authoritarian abusive family, an online introvert, (so are many bloggers), and video games.
Untrue. People do not think about the fact that 15% of the population harm others because their brains are psychopathic, so video games fits a certain profile in the public image.
Perpetrator liked to knit for hours on end is just not that sensational.
A person who wants to harm others will latch on to whatever crazy ideology they find and seek out anything that reinforces it. Whether it's a video game, violent TV show or an online forum is irrelevant.
If the violence isn't inherent a game will not alter a person to commit heinous acts. It will not disinhibit like alcohol or drugs, if anything it's a deterrent.
In trying to think of examples, I thought of Bioshock. An game that came out in 2007 and educates. It critizises Ayn Rands objectivist philosophy. Want a perfect world where you can do whatever you want? Here you go. The promise of utopia becomes a disturbing hellscape. Teens who play the game learn a little history, have lively online discussions about the dangers of drugs (plasmids), hyper-capitalism and anarchy. All societal models that if brought to extremes will be monstrous. The game helps them "get it". Years later they're still discussing it and reaches them in a way that a history class might not. Please watch these three minutes:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=p2SpC-Wq_no&pp=0gcJCRsBo7VqN5tD
Bioshock also teaches morals. Choices have consequences and it even confronts the gamer with the postmodern suggestion that games guide the gamer out of their free will if they choose not to use a certain object.
Here is a quote by the wealthy industrialist and antagonist who created Rapture. Very reminiscent of a certain techbro.
I game. I escape to different worlds, solve puzzles cooperate with extra terrestrial, I learn, I think. I marvel at the art work, laugh with friends, make choices, improve reaction time and hand eye coordination. I go on adventures, I fly and jump and climb and a healthy mind is very well aware that gamers harm pixels not people. Some games are too violent, I stop playing them. But at the end of the day the benefit I get out of it outweighs the time.
Please as always; if you wish to discuss current events rather than video games, no names of individuals.
Codex: Couldn't get the whole quote to post but I think you get the idea.
ReplyDeleteCodex: PS if you click on the image it's easier to read the quote
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ReplyDeleteWell, prior to Gaming they blamed it on the Music people were listening to or if they were playing their Records backwards. I agree, they try to make their narrative fit the Crime, and what exactly they want to vilify at the Moment. Fact is, there are folks prone to being violent or using it for their Grievances as their perceived Solution or whatever promotes their Causes, and, Criminals may or may not fit a certain 'profile'. To me it doesn't matter why they committed a crime or an atrocity, it's a Crime, that's really all that matters. We'll never solve every Social Ill that upsets people, if someone can commit a violent act there are so many ways they'll find to do it and try to justify it in their own Minds. I spent a 2nd Corporate Life working for the 5th largest DA's Office in the Country and some Human Beings are capable of and commit atrocities all of the time, decent folks can't possibly understand how someone can do what they do becoz we're simply without the point of reference to, Thank God. I don't want to get into the Head of some Psycho, it's a Scary Dark Troubled and Tormented Space, pretty damned sure.
Codex:It's dark to us, but not to them. I'll respond more later. Thank you for respecting my wishes in the meantime.
Delete@bohemian exactly. I don't think the average person can or should understand these minds. See below.
DeleteI think you're correct when you say, "If the violence isn't inherent a game will not alter a person to commit heinous acts."
ReplyDeleteBut I DO think certain video games, when played compulsively and excessively, can desensitize the players to certain actions (shooting villains) and make it more likely they'll unleash their inner violence in the real world.
Codex: No Steve. They don't desensitize, but they can make actions reflexive. Millions of people play games. Many are obsessive about it. They're harmless. Someone who wants to commit crimes will look for anything that reinforces it. It does great disservice to real victims of crimes and gamers.
DeleteCodex: @Steve Here's a good summary:
Delete"No, scientific research does not support a link between playing video games and real-world violence, including mass shootings. While some studies suggest a very small correlation with milder forms of aggressive thoughts or feelings, large-scale analyses and expert consensus conclude that violent video games do not lead to violent behavior or aggression in young people. The idea that video games cause real-world violence is a widespread misconception not supported by current scientific evidence, according to researchers like Chris Ferguson.
Lack of Direct Evidence for Real-World Violence
No Link to Mass Violence:
Studies have found no clear evidence connecting violent video games to mass shootings or other forms of real-world violence.
Large-Scale Studies:
A reanalysis of data from over 21,000 young people found no meaningful long-term impact of violent video games on youth aggression.
Expert Opinion:
The American Psychological Association's Society for Media Psychology and Technology states that it's inappropriate to link real-world violence to video game exposure, emphasizing the lack of scientific evidence.
Confusion Between Aggression and Violence
Aggression vs. Violence:
It's crucial to differentiate between aggression (hostile thoughts, feelings, or behaviors) and violence (physical harm).
Weak Correlations:
While some studies have found a small correlation between violent video games and aggressive behaviors or thoughts, the effects are often weak and do not translate to physical violence.
Focus on Other Factors
Misleading Focus:
Focusing on video games as a cause of violence can distract from addressing other more significant factors that contribute to violent behavior, such as upbringing, social environment, and mental health.
Cultural Differences:
Countries where video games are highly popular, such as Japan and South Korea, tend to have lower rates of gun violence than the United States, which further suggests video games are not a primary cause."
My son has a regular Saturday playdate with friends for whatever online game it is they play. It's something I never got into. I suppose it's the visual and interactive part of an alternate reality. I don't know. I've always had better things to do with my time. Maybe because it's not physical enough.
ReplyDeleteCoodex: it really depends on the game. It's a lot of things. Instead of passive TV watching. It's an active role playing where you are the character. Is TV better than games? There are physical games like guitar hero or dance revolution. Again it depends on the game but many are beautiful and have large art departments.
DeleteThoughts on "effective altruism"? I'm not familiar, but I stumbled upon this worldview at some point and it made me curious but cautious...
ReplyDeleteCodex: Are you asking my opinion on it?
DeleteCodex: I'm assuming you are. It's coming out of Oxbridge philosophy. Charities taking over the gap left by public services. A lot of their ideas on AI are true, but there are also the eccentrics. I think it's a bit the road to hell is paved with good intentions for my taste. TBH I get a bit of a Raelian/scientology vibe. Wealthy old money eccentric. Physics is very popular among them. something about suffering electrons and suffering universe....
DeleteThanks, Codex. I'm contemplating how notions of altruism, especially anti-altruism, is at play in these modern/regressive times.
DeleteCodex: To simplify: stay altruistic. Less philosophical. Sounds weird but people are being culled and getting used to indifference to suffering. The rest is just marketing a cause.
DeleteCodex: Any outcome on your contemplation?
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