Video games desensitizing the public to violence?

Question

Video Games.

Halo, Gears of War, Call of Duty, Resistance - Fall of Man, and whatever other FPS's.

I'm not entirely sure that the claim that they're desensitizing us to violence is entirely without credit. I seriously freaked out my friends (and myself) yesterday when i broke my neighbor's nose, shot his two friends up close with his airsoft gun, and took one of them to the ground when they treid to scare me (in good fun).

When it was over, my hands automatically snapped up into a position oddly reminiscent to the default position in Call of Duty and i thought i was playing.

Answer 1

i think these types of games especially the grand theft auto games have made a massive contribution to the actions of young people today  

Answer 2

i've taken to driving on the sidewalk, picking up hookers, shooting up random people in neighborhoods, gambling and calling myself CJ. it has nothing to do with completing Grand Theft Auto San Andreas 3 times.

Answer 3

It's obvious that video games aren't perfect simulations; your buddies re-spawn and no one feels any real pain.

The problem is not so much one of a desensitization to violence, its more of a disconnect from its consequences.

By the way fear is a natural learning tool. Its not present in video games because there is no real danger.

The solution is pretty simple, just look at a mirror every now and then to remind yourself of your major goals, reassess your self image and not your video game avatar who's only looking to get points.