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Do video games lead to violence?

This is an often debated question that deserves some consideration. After the Sandy Hook shootings in December 2012, President Obama urged that Congress find out about the connection between video games and gun violence, due to the gunman regularly playing shooting video games.

There have been numerous different studies and articles published on this topic over the years. Recent psychological studies are showing that violent video games may be contributing to desensitization and a lack of empathy in those who often play them. It seems that the more that people are exposed to violent video games over time, the less sensitive they become to real-life violence.

This is described in a recent article in the New York Times, found here: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/15/looking-at-link-between-violent-video-games-and-lack-of-empathy/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0.

There are many video games on the market today that seem to promote violence, having the player kill police officers or “bad guys,” steal cars, etc. While some studies have been conflicting and it seems that President Obama has not gotten his clear answer.

It seems best to closely monitor the video games that your children play and make sure that you are comfortable with them. Ensure that they have other interests and do not spend too much time on violent video games so that they do not become numb or less sensitive to real violence.