Yet another study on the mental effects of violent video games has revealed what game developers have been saying all along. Ever since video game consoles have become commonplace, and game titles became more violent, it seems that youth have become less likely to act on their impulses. Using information pulled directly from FBI statistics, there is a direct correlation between the increasing popularity of violent game titles and lower crime rates.
Some researchers have said that sexually explicit and violent video game titles prompt minors to attempt to recreate the images that they see, however, movies have always had questionable subject material. Some minors that commit violent acts will scapegoat the gaming industry. The same can be said for notorious music acts such as Marilyn Manson and Metallica. Even still, the proof really is in the pudding this time.
Since 1991, crimes committed by children under the age of 18 has decreased. At the same time, highly addicted drugs like crack cocaine became less popular. One could theorize that the war on drugs has been a success, but this wouldn’t explain why other drugs such as meth have become popular in more affluent communities. One thing is clear – children do not want to commit crimes simply because they play a violent video game, listen to rock or watch a scary movie. Lawmakers and scientists have long been blaming the gaming industry for particular offensive acts, but it seem like the juvenile offenders are actually getting their cues from somewhere else.
