Comments on: Why We’re not Disturbed

By: Hatm0nster

Hatm0nster — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 02:31:47 +0000

Thanks, and yeah that’s the major difference when playing a game. It’s not about acting as you would in real life, but in a way that best suits the game you’re playing.

By: Hatm0nster

Hatm0nster — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 02:30:18 +0000

That sounds like it could be annoying at times. The effects of games are still being studied, but were seeing more and more evidence that they don’t inherently lead to violent behavior as you say.

I suppose the question now is how exactly we should regard the content in games. I don’t think anyone has a satisfactory answer for that yet.

By: Kooky

Kooky — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 19:10:31 +0000

I always find it funny when people try to tie violence in games to violent behavior in real life. Numerous studies have shown there isn’t a strong link between violent video games and aggression. What translates violence in video games to violent behavior in real life is when the individual cannot separate the virtual world from the real one.

Unfortunately, my parents are the type of people who believe playing violent video games will make someone into a disturbed individual. I’ve tried explaining to them before that it’s similar to how I can read Harry Potter but not be into witchcraft because I can separate fiction from reality. They won’t believe me though, so in many cases I have to hide while playing games like Grand Theft Auto or Metal Gear Rising.

By: duckofindeed

duckofindeed — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 18:50:45 +0000

Very true. The events in video games are fake, plus they have no consequences in the real world, so it’s not the same thing as doing something bad in real life. I have stolen vehicles in “Jak II” plenty of times, but I hurt no one real, and there were no consequences outside of the game. Of course, I would never steal a car in the real world. That would hurt another person and have very real consequences for myself and that person. Plus, I’m not mean. I have no desire to hurt a real person, but if I can take a vehicle from an unfeeling character in a game and get around faster, why not?

Anyway, very interesting post. I like the way you explained this whole concept.