Violent video games may have "desensitising effect"

[James]

Violent video games may have "desensitising effect"

Research explores how violent video games may desensitise mental responses

[Fivel]

Add to that:
- violence in movies, TV etc
- levels of violence in society
- news reporting of violence 24/7.

We are being desensitized by so many things, video games are only one element.

[Necuno]

Violent video games may have "desensitising effect"

Research explores how violent video games may desensitise mental responses

Much like living in RSA especially the desensitising of education...

[shadowfox]

Putting aside their qualifier "may" - desensitisation doesn't necessarily mean someone is more likely to run out and kill people, although I'm sure some anti-game proponents will immediately jump on that particular fact.

The article also doesn't mention exactly when they played these games - did they play it early in the day, or right before they went to sleep? Because that makes a major difference. Just sitting in front of a PC browsing the web or watching videos can already have a negative effect on sleeping patterns; games that contain a lot of action and require concentration elevate this effect quite drastically - the brain requires some time to drop out of the activity high.

And following that, disturbed sleeping patterns naturally lead to elevated stress-levels and exhaustion. It's kind of a chicken and egg question, to be honest.

[Graal]

Well, yes, the survey isn't incorrect. Violent games may have a desensitizing effect, but there's a big difference between being desensitized to virtual violence and watching someone have his brains blown out right in front of you. Even the most desensitized gamer won't just shrug off the latter.

[shadowfox]

Well, yes, the survey isn't incorrect. Violent games may have a desensitizing effect, but there's a big difference between being desensitized to virtual violence and watching someone have his brains blown out right in front of you. Even the most desensitized gamer won't just shrug off the latter.

Not incorrect, but it just doesn't really say anything new. As to the desensitising effect - I dunno about having brains blown out in front of me, but I've seen some pretty horrific injuries happen in front of me and it didn't faze me much. But I can't pin that on playing violent games a lot (even though I do), since plenty of other people appeared unfazed by events as well. So it may just be a mental thing.

Or maybe I was dropped on my head repeatedly as a baby. Who knows?

[Graal]

I think it depends more on the person. I play pretty much every videogame that comes out at some point or another, and I still cringe at gore and horrible injuries. As an example, in the new Game of Thrones there are certain scenes where I simply can't watch because it is too intense for me.

[shadowfox]

I think it depends more on the person. I play pretty much every videogame that comes out at some point or another, and I still cringe at gore and horrible injuries. As an example, in the new Game of Thrones there are certain scenes where I simply can't watch because it is too intense for me.

I think the only thing that makes me cringe these days is watching a video where some poor sod tries to show off and then performs some kind of nutcracker maneuver.

[bradbear117]

I disagree with being desensitised. I have seen numerous counts of assault and grievous bodily harm that has plagued my mind for days.
On screen you can shrug it off but not in real life.

[Necuno]

I disagree with being desensitised. I have seen numerous counts of assault and grievous bodily harm that has plagued my mind for days.
On screen you can shrug it off but not in real life.

Simcity always online ?