Violent Video Games - How Are They Changing The Way Kids Socialize?

If you grew up in the late 80's or early 90's, this story is not unfamiliar to you. Everyone was really excited for the new game "Shoot 'Em Up" to come out on the console of their choice. The only thing they could talk about was what it would be like when they finally got it: What would the graphics look like? How many weapons could you have at one time? Do you think they allow you to blow up camps in this game? Of course there was the one kid whose mom told him she "wouldn't allow violence in her household". 

This trope has been all too common, with parents worrying for their children in their so called "formative years". Video game ratings have become incredibly popular as well as a point of contention for parents, with children trying to convince older siblings, friends, and parents to buy games for them due to the child being too young.  Ratings range depending on mature content, but it's really up to the parent on what they will allow for their child. Some parents have no problem with gory video games, with the line being "I did worse things as a kid, and I turned out alright!". 

One popular Youtuber Neros Cinemas posted a video explaining why he doesn't think video games cause children to be violent. One of the points he makes is that cooking video games don't make you a chef, so why would an army video game make you a murderer? He also brings up the point that TV is not given nearly as much flak as games. 

Other parents, however, have a bigger issue of what they find acceptable. This post is from a concerned parent about their fourth grader wanting to play 'Call of Duty:Modern Warfare', a popular first-person shooter game. Again, responses here are a mixed bag, with some parents saying it causes desensitization and a lack of empathy, and others saying that it's "just a game."

So who is right here? Do violent video games affect children's psychological development?  

As lot of study would side with the concerned parent. One such article named 

"Violence exposure in real-life, video games, television, movies, and the internet: is there desensitization?" claims that when exposed to real life violence vs. media violence (TV, video games, movies, internet use) can markedly impair the way children develop cognitively, behaviorally, and emotionally which could lead to a lack in empathy and desensitization. The article also claims that many children don't see violence often in real life, creating a paradox of understanding when it comes to physically harming other people. If you're unable to understand violence in the context of the life you live, then you won't understand the repercussions, both emotional and physical, from internalizing and enacting violence in your actions. (Funk et. al, 2004)

One of the quotes from the article says, "Desensitization to violence is a subtle, almost incidental process which may occur as a result of repeated exposure to real-life violence, as well as from exposure to media violence. Emotional desensitization is evident when there is numbing or blunting of emotional reactions to events which would typically elicit a strong response. Cognitive desensitization is evident when the belief that violence is uncommon and unlikely becomes the belief that violence is mundane and inevitable." 

This means that when someone is routinely exposed to violence, it causes them to desensitize. For example if you are in a room with a loud fan, the sound of the fan will eventually become second nature. It won't be until the fan is removed that you will notice how loud it used to be. This article is saying that violence is supposed to cause a strong negative reaction; we aren't supposed to crave gore and violence, and we are specifically supposed to be opposed to it. The cognitive side says that when you are routinely exposed to violence, you see it as a natural part of life, something that can't be avoided and could happen at any time. 

So maybe this isn't convincing. You're saying to yourself: "Well, kids don't have to be taken over by violence. People accept that mindset by will." It's possible to control yourself and your actions, so why should your behavior in violent situations be any different? 

An article done by Kalnin et. al. in 2011 addresses the issue from a biological standpoint. "The interacting role of media violence exposure and aggressive–disruptive behavior in adolescent brain activation during an emotional Stroop task" talks about how functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed what people's brains looked like in response to violent imagery. fMRI machines are able to see what part of your brain responds when you are presented with stimuli, which was images and words in this instance. The study looked at people who routinely experienced violent media, people who didn't, and people who had aggression disorders. Ultimately, it was found that people without these disorders who had low exposure to violent video games had brains that responded differently to this kind of stimuli. Those with aggression behavior and high exposure to violent video games were abnormally affected by the violent stimuli! Their brains were actually altered by continuous negative exposure. 

So, what are we saying? What does this mean? Who is right? 
It means that the concerned mom is RIGHT. Not only do video games affect adolescents emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally during their formative years, but they change their brain chemistry. Exposure to violence is a damaging part of the human emotional complex in development and that exhibits not just through actions, but through biology. One of the studies specifically points out that the act of doing in video games is what perpetuates and strengthens these negative affective emotions. By being the person who commits the actions, it personally desensitizes you. 

So parents, keep this in mind: your kid might not be the most popular person in their grade, but what they commit their free time to could affect the way they develop over time. 

What Problems Does The Internet Pose In Terms Of Social Development?

As much as I want to tell you that the internet is the safe dreamland that we've all been hoping for, nothing new comes without its threats. While I don't think the internet is the source of the threat, it is used by people in whatever way they wish. Sometimes those ways are humanitarian like kickstarters and photoshop projects. These are the ways that the internet can be a collective; a community of unending support and an uplifting pedestal. Often times this is what the internet is used for; to rally behind those in need and make sure fraternity is strong. (A few examples of 'Internet Acts That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity').

It's important to remember, however, that we shape and create the internet community as we go. The subcultures that exist online are of our own creation; the internet is but a tool that people use to commit actions. It is merely the connecting force between us. 


So how does this tie into child development?

A lot of children frequent the internet: discussion boards, online interactive games, social media like Facebook and Twitter, video posting platforms like Youtube, and 'news' sites like Buzzfeed are just a few ways that internet socialization is an active part of adolescent life. But what does this look like when it's connected to their offline experience? How do cyberbullying, online addiction, body image, and other factors change how young people interact with each other and alter themselves?

For this segment I'll be exploring some of the negative social aspects of the internet and hopefully, some solutions.