DO VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES CONTRIBUTE TO YOUTH VIOLENCE?

97% of 12-17 year olds in the US played video games in
2008, thus fueling an $11.7 billion domestic video game
industry. In 2008, 10 of the top 20 best-selling video
games in the US contained violence.
Violent video games have been blamed for school
shootings, increases in bullying, and violence towards
women. Critics argue that these games desensitize
players to violence, reward players for simulating
violence, and teach children that violence is an
acceptable way to resolve conflicts.
Video game advocates contend that a majority of the
research on the topic is deeply flawed and that no
causal relationship has been found between video
games and social violence. They argue that violent video
games may reduce violence by serving as a substitute
for rough and tumble play and by providing a safe outlet
for aggressive and angry feelings.