Video games produce violence in its players. This is a statement that we are used to hearing over and over again as a criticism about violent video games. Is this a true statement? According to Nielsen, there is what is called the "Cognitive neo-association model of aggression." As he explains, "The theory points out that violent media lead to hostility and aggression due to reinforcement of association nodes in the brain that are related to hostility and aggression. These nodes can be created and strengthened by video games; through these nodes aggressive thoughts will be transformed into physical action (pg 229). Based off of this theory I would have to agree completely that video games do create this effect. The reason as to why I agree is because my brother is a perfect example of how violent video games effected his actions in real life. My brother, Adam, likes to play a lot of fighting games, so he thought it was a good idea to try out some of these moves on and with his friends. What happened when he came home? He had a torn ACL and now has constant knee problems. My brother was 20 when this happened, so he is smart enough to know not to do something like that, but I truly believe the effects of playing constant video games had an effect on his cognitive thought which were reflected in his actions.
On the other hand, Nielsen talks about the idea of the Catharis theory which is the exact opposite of the Cognitive neo-association model of aggression. This theory argues that video games reduce aggression in players. Nielsen explains, "The idea (of the catharis theory) is that one's own aggressive feelings will be mirrored in the media, and experienceing them will reduce internal tension" (pg 228). This theory does not make much sense to me and is "less acceptable in psychology in general."
Check out this scientific explanation about violence in video games by Michael Rich, Director of the Center of Media and Child Health.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsMFsdS3aqU
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