Myth Busting : Video games causing violence?

Since the decade of video nasties and blocky 8 bit computers producing titles like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on the Atari 2600 (1983); video games have always created controversy within society linking in game violence to real-life. It was a huge selling point for tabloid press as they could capitalise on the anti-violent video game regime. This was mainly because the consumers were the parents of those playing said games. With video games being fairly new in the 80's, games in which their children could act violently posed a threat. Into the 2000's, in which new games consoles have been released and enhanced graphics means that violence is more realistic. This only results in extra ammunition for parents and the press.

However, how true is the link between violence in the digital world and the real world?

Albert Bandura

Albert Bandura suggests that media can implant ideas in the mind of the audience directly. This is the idea that media representations of transgressive behaviour can lead to audience members to imitate these forms of behaviours.

This theory reinforces very traditional, dated views towards video games and the impact it has on its audience.

Arguments levelled at the theory state that it suggests the audience is passive to their surroundings; we do not actually view ourselves as henchmen-killing assassins. It also ignores other influences in people's lives that have an impact on their actions. It completely ignores the context of the gaming experience; we would supposedly confuse the game with reality.

As someone who plays games regularly, some of which are violent, I can safely say that there is no direct link between antisocial behaviours and the game. I feel as though it is reductionist. This is because it suggests that there is a direct link, ignoring other influences and experiences in its entirety therefore lessening the validity of the theory. I am one of a younger audience and can differentiate the difference between the real and digital world. While it may desensitise people to violent images of some sort, it does not directly influence transgressive behaviours unless there is perhaps an underlying mental condition, or something that would stop the ability for one to differentiate between the two.