The Rise of Violence in Society: Is Technology to Blame?

http://ithp.org/articles/violentvideogames.html


          This article, written by numerous University professors, states how technology has a negative effect on our society, more specifically in regards to video games and its correlation with violence. Video games are a popular form of technology that began to rise during the 1970's. Modern day video games are sophisticated and extremely advanced, with capabilities that were unheard of even a decade ago. With this, video games have gotten excessively more violent and realistic through the last few years. Video games series like "Grand Theft Auto" for example encourage radically violent behaviour whether it is fist to fist combat or a shoot out. Video games of this generation have players deeply rooted in the game and story-lines have become increasingly complex. The violence is far more meaningful now in games and this article is agreeing with this statement, claiming how it affects us more that we believe.


          Through over 130 studies, with over 130,000 participants, the studies prove that violent video games increase aggressive thoughts and behaviour. The article uses many statistics claiming that the news statistics over violent video games is completely off what the scientific studies suggest. Science proves that violent video games directly influence violent behaviour and that it affects us without us even being aware of it. It is also more harmful than any other form of technology. With a television show or movie, you are simply watching the screen and watching the violence occur in front of you. With a video game, you control your destiny, and you play an active role in the violence that is occurring. Scientists believe this desensitizes you to violence and makes real life violence seem like a less bigger deal to you than it once was thanks to these sort of video games.


          Violence is rising in society, and statistics all around the world can help prove this. Society is becoming more aggressive, and many people are looking for answers. The answer that makes the most sense seems to be the rise of violence in technology. Besides video games, television is constantly becoming more violent for shock-value. If you compare an action show from the 1960s to the present day, you will see a clear rise in violence and realism. Every year, the bar is raised on what is considered shocking and television must catch up. These are television programs our youth are watching, and they are easily influenced by it. The media has also been responsible, as it is desensitizing us to violence with the amount of it out in the open. Next time we should think twice before we believe technology has no violent effects on us.