Are video games the cause of behavior problems, or do behavior problems cause video games?
There is a lot of blame placed for the deterioration of society on violent or graphic video games. Experts say that the violence and lack of respect for authority seen in games such as Grand Theft Auto carry over into society, resulting in irresponsible, disrespectful young adults. Behavioral problems in school are also believed to stem from these types of games. However, it could be the case that kids who are prone to these behaviors might prefer to choose these games over more age-appropriate entertainment.
The premise of Grand Theft Auto is this: “You play as a thug with problems you must steal and shoot your way out of, but the problems this time are disconcertingly more realistic. You play as Carl Johnson, known on the street as CJ, a likeable criminal type who has just returned to his hometown, Los Santos (a fictionalized Los Angeles), to find that his mother has been murdered and that the police have framed him for another murder.”(as seen on Amazon.com) The game is rated “Mature”, which certainly means that the player should have reached a certain level of maturity (ie: of the level that shoots and steals his way out of problems?? Wouldn’t this indicate some psychopathic tendencies? Do parents actually buy this game for kids?)
Examining some of the blog posts and reviews of these rated “M” games may lend insight to the character and personality types that enjoy playing them. Certainly the writing skills of some of these reviewers can reveal how much they pay attention in school. For example, on the EB Games website, one reviewer gives the game five stars and exclaims, “Fun game the graphics are great I recomend you get this game because u can get into a monster truck, a camint mixer truck, motercycles and a whole lot more!! But it has some pretty bad language in it but if I were u I'd put it on mute just to stay cool. Anyway u should get this game fun fun fun!!!”
Although this person has some language challenges, he or she has a conscience, as evidenced by the desire to shield potential buyers from hearing the profanity. Another reviewer was conflicted, anticipating enjoying the game, yet disgusted by the profanity: “I love Grand Theft Auto San Andreas! …! I haven't ever played it yet, but I saw some screenshots somewhere. Well, at least it looks cool! … I would not suggest you would play this game if your under 21. This game is rated very high. And this game is very very very offensive. …. what I hate to see is the very offensive words. I hate to look around and hear and see people say those bad words. And I am very ashamed of Rockstar, most improtantly the people who helped the people made it. Anyway, I am going to go play it for the first time in like... 4 Hours!!!! Bye!”
The killing and stealing bothers this writer not at all, just the curse words. And, there is this comment, barely literate and disturbing: “dis game is tight the graphocs rock one thing i enjoy is that you get to kill people and take peoples nice cars and in one mission u can buy a big plane like ones at the airports”. But, the issue is, did Grand Theft Auto cause this person’s predilections, or does the manufacturer just do what any capitalist might—give the public what they want. It would seem that the gamer’s parents would have the best insight into this question.
