After visiting some of my coursemates' blogs I was surprised at them being not only informative and interesting, but also entertaining. Viewing other blogs made me realize how much better my own blog could have been( videos, photos etc.). These are the blogs that I recommend:
1. The blog about Celebrity influence at http://vjanacko.blogspot.com I found not only very persuasive, but also illustrative, which made reading this blog a fun and pleasing experience.
2. Another one was War in Media at http://warinmedia.wordpress.com/ which touched an extremely tense issues.
3. The blog, which was about representation of physically disabled in media http://seenequal.blogspot.com/ was especially interesting for me, because I was able to express my contradictory opinion there.
4.This one, which is about fast food in advertising,http://escandera.wordpress.com/ touched the issue of the junk food popularity, described the harmful consequences of fast food advertising for children, and many other relevant themes.
5. The final one, that was about internet addiction at http://internetaddiction.blogetery.com/ presented the alarming rising rates of people addicted to the internet. It effectively discussed a truly distressing problem.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Academic Essay
Violent video games are everywhere in our culture. They are available in every video store, and can even be found free on the internet. These are the games we all are familiar with: loaded with graphic blood or sweat, groaning voices, fighting, shooting, stabbing, and the list goes on in this fashion. The process either takes the form of human
violence (human character fights or destroys things to avoid being killed) or fantasy violence (as with human violence but with a fantasy or cartoon character) (Harris, 2001).
I think that the violent games bring a set of harmful consequences to the children. First of all they deprive kids from the time they can spend reading, playing outside or engaging in other kinds of healthy leisure activities, which may result in obesity, lower cognitive performance, sight problems and etc. These physical dangers still fade away when compared with mental ones. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Tanya Byron, there is no absolutely reliable evidence proving the desensitization of children towards violence, but “much of the research from the Active Media perspective assumes an imitation model of learning and argues for a direct influence of violent content on child behavior” (Byron, 2008).
When it comes to factual evidence of games resulting in long-term violence, a recent study conducted by Dr. Craig A. Anderson clearly illustrates the effects. The study which was conducted on both Japanese and American children found an increased level of aggressive behavior among the kids who repeatedly engaged in a playing process. This study adds even bigger truth value to the whole thing, and is especially helpful due to achieving the same results in 2 quite diverse cultures (Anderson, 2008).
In spite of having a tremendous amount of evidence proving the negativity of violent games, some controversial opinions do exit and prosper. The main arguments of the video game supporters are simply untrustworthy. They stress the violence to be the essential part of humankind (Shakespeare, Bible and etc.) and object to the existence of any convincing factual data surrounding violent video game dangers. It is true that violence is a part of human nature, but it does not mean we should foster and encourage it instead of condemning. When it comes to absence of the proof, I think that the lack of the immediate violent consequences after playing a game in children does not mean they are not there. It is impossible to ignore the truth which is so evident.
In conclusion, I’m not trying to prove that violent games will necessarily lead to fights, murderers, rapes school shootings and etc. What I’m trying to say is that they do increase the level aggression at some point in kids, detach them from healthier activities and in short, bring nothing but harm to them. Kids must not spend their childhood staring at the screen because of some people wanting make more money. I think it necessary to introduce more effective game classification/ rating systems with enough power to even ban some games from release (Byron, 2008). Media should definitely raise awareness about the issue and reach every parent who is too overwhelmed in his/her problems or is not informed well enough to keep their children from wasting their childhood.
Works Cited
1. Harris, Jennifer. The Effects Of Computer Games on Young Children. Retrieved January 7, 2009, from http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/occ72-compgames.pdf
2 Byron, Tanya. Safer Children in a Digital World. Retrieved January 6, 2009 from http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/pdfs/Final%20Report%20Bookmarked.pdf
3. Iowa State University (2008, November 4). Violent Video Game Feed Aggression In Kids In Japan And U.S.. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 9, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/11/081103180252.htm
violence (human character fights or destroys things to avoid being killed) or fantasy violence (as with human violence but with a fantasy or cartoon character) (Harris, 2001).
I think that the violent games bring a set of harmful consequences to the children. First of all they deprive kids from the time they can spend reading, playing outside or engaging in other kinds of healthy leisure activities, which may result in obesity, lower cognitive performance, sight problems and etc. These physical dangers still fade away when compared with mental ones. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Tanya Byron, there is no absolutely reliable evidence proving the desensitization of children towards violence, but “much of the research from the Active Media perspective assumes an imitation model of learning and argues for a direct influence of violent content on child behavior” (Byron, 2008).
When it comes to factual evidence of games resulting in long-term violence, a recent study conducted by Dr. Craig A. Anderson clearly illustrates the effects. The study which was conducted on both Japanese and American children found an increased level of aggressive behavior among the kids who repeatedly engaged in a playing process. This study adds even bigger truth value to the whole thing, and is especially helpful due to achieving the same results in 2 quite diverse cultures (Anderson, 2008).
In spite of having a tremendous amount of evidence proving the negativity of violent games, some controversial opinions do exit and prosper. The main arguments of the video game supporters are simply untrustworthy. They stress the violence to be the essential part of humankind (Shakespeare, Bible and etc.) and object to the existence of any convincing factual data surrounding violent video game dangers. It is true that violence is a part of human nature, but it does not mean we should foster and encourage it instead of condemning. When it comes to absence of the proof, I think that the lack of the immediate violent consequences after playing a game in children does not mean they are not there. It is impossible to ignore the truth which is so evident.
In conclusion, I’m not trying to prove that violent games will necessarily lead to fights, murderers, rapes school shootings and etc. What I’m trying to say is that they do increase the level aggression at some point in kids, detach them from healthier activities and in short, bring nothing but harm to them. Kids must not spend their childhood staring at the screen because of some people wanting make more money. I think it necessary to introduce more effective game classification/ rating systems with enough power to even ban some games from release (Byron, 2008). Media should definitely raise awareness about the issue and reach every parent who is too overwhelmed in his/her problems or is not informed well enough to keep their children from wasting their childhood.
Works Cited
1. Harris, Jennifer. The Effects Of Computer Games on Young Children. Retrieved January 7, 2009, from http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/occ72-compgames.pdf
2 Byron, Tanya. Safer Children in a Digital World. Retrieved January 6, 2009 from http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/pdfs/Final%20Report%20Bookmarked.pdf
3. Iowa State University (2008, November 4). Violent Video Game Feed Aggression In Kids In Japan And U.S.. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 9, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/11/081103180252.htm
Reference
The internet pages are bombarded with the articles about media violence and children, but far not all of them contain reliable information about the issue. Most of them are untrustworthy biased claims that are of no value. However, I've been fortunate enough to find some extremely useful websites about our topic that contain credible research information.
The Center o Media and Child's Health has its website, http://www.cmch.tv/, which is a collection of truly credible data and articles about Children & media.
Another useful website I recommend, http://www.kff.org/entmedia/index.cfm will provide you with reliable collection of articles, clips and other useful material.
Finally, the http://www.mediafamily.org/ contains useful tips on handling media violence problems at home, discusses some hot topics and news about the issue.
The Center o Media and Child's Health has its website, http://www.cmch.tv/, which is a collection of truly credible data and articles about Children & media.
Another useful website I recommend, http://www.kff.org/entmedia/index.cfm will provide you with reliable collection of articles, clips and other useful material.
Finally, the http://www.mediafamily.org/ contains useful tips on handling media violence problems at home, discusses some hot topics and news about the issue.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Other Side
It is indeed, very fascinating that some people still believe in innocence of violent video games. Douglas Lowenstein in his article advices his readers to: "Stop worrying about those violent online games - and start playing". The arguments he presents are the ones usually used by every violent video game supporter. Namely, that violence is a part of our culture ( Bible, Shakespeare and etc.), that there exists no factual evidence of violent games causing any real danger, and reasons like that.
I find this viewpoint totally absurd. How can one compare Bible or Shakespeare to GTA or Mortal Combat? The graphic violence is causing problems here, not the letters. When it comes to the lack of evidence, because a kid doesn't kill someone after playing GTA for 3 hours doesn't mean the game is not causing any harm to him. In short, these kind of arguments seem too week and fake to be taken seriously.
The article avaliable at http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/24/1064083057518.html?from=storyrhs
I find this viewpoint totally absurd. How can one compare Bible or Shakespeare to GTA or Mortal Combat? The graphic violence is causing problems here, not the letters. When it comes to the lack of evidence, because a kid doesn't kill someone after playing GTA for 3 hours doesn't mean the game is not causing any harm to him. In short, these kind of arguments seem too week and fake to be taken seriously.
The article avaliable at http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/24/1064083057518.html?from=storyrhs
A Recent Case Study
Though there have been lots of research conducted upon this theme, the newest one, and a very interesting study was held by Dr. Craig A. Anderson, Ph.D., of Iowa State University in Ames and his colleagues. The concentrated upon 3 groups of kids: 2 different age groups of Japanese kids and one group of American kids. The study aimed to look at the changes in behavior in kids after 3 to 6 months from repeated violent video game exposure. Throughout this period children had to report their violent acts and their behavior was also monitored by peers and surrounding adults. As it was expected these children proved to behave in a more violent way than their fellow classmates that didn't play any video games. As Dr. Anderson says: "Basically what we found was that in all three samples, a lot of violent video game play early in a school year leads to higher levels of aggression during the school year, as measured later in the school year -- even after you control for how aggressive the kids were at the beginning of the year."
This study is again very important, because it not only illustrates the direct link between children aggression and video games, but also strengthens the argument by presenting 2 culturally different groups (American, Japanese). The later fact is interesting, because Japan has a significantly lower crime & violence overall rate than United States, which adds the credibility to research conclusions.
I find it surprising that after all these case studies, research and investigation violent video games are still in a state of prosperity. With the evidence being so clear and simple, I wonder how it doesn't gain more response not only from parents, but also generally from people.
The article found at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103180252.htm
This study is again very important, because it not only illustrates the direct link between children aggression and video games, but also strengthens the argument by presenting 2 culturally different groups (American, Japanese). The later fact is interesting, because Japan has a significantly lower crime & violence overall rate than United States, which adds the credibility to research conclusions.
I find it surprising that after all these case studies, research and investigation violent video games are still in a state of prosperity. With the evidence being so clear and simple, I wonder how it doesn't gain more response not only from parents, but also generally from people.
The article found at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103180252.htm
MORAL COMBAT
Moral Combat is a recently released documentary movie about violent video games that recieved a META award which is "a Director’s Choice Award for outstanding achievement for media about media" in November 2008.
Directed by Spencer Halpin this movie is a must see for the people interested in this topic, because it is objective, deep and thoughtful analysis of issue. According to the festival president Bart Weiss: "This is not an easy ‘Nasty video games are bad and are the cause of the destruction of man’ type of video. It is thoughtful, very thorough, and it definitely presents both sides of the argument. The film is incredibly well-produced and directed, melding the interview into hi-res images from the games. Indeed, by the end of the film you are exhausted by the barrage of these graphics, many of them violent.
The effect is, well, the effect of these images. For someone like me who is not a gamer... the effect is disconnecting and without playing gives you an idea of what it's about. The film makes you feel what video games really are while you're hearing about their effects; it's very powerful and a must-see. Many documentaries have footage that shows you what the subject is about very few make you feel it like this one does..."
The movie is highly objective, presents both sides of the coin and touches all existing major arguments surrounding this highly polarized debate. It also uses the interviews of game designers, critics and other people involved in this sphere. I think that watching this movie will definitely be useful and productive experience for people interested in violent video games' topic.
The trailer avaliable at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIu3JMGxk3Q
Directed by Spencer Halpin this movie is a must see for the people interested in this topic, because it is objective, deep and thoughtful analysis of issue. According to the festival president Bart Weiss: "This is not an easy ‘Nasty video games are bad and are the cause of the destruction of man’ type of video. It is thoughtful, very thorough, and it definitely presents both sides of the argument. The film is incredibly well-produced and directed, melding the interview into hi-res images from the games. Indeed, by the end of the film you are exhausted by the barrage of these graphics, many of them violent.
The effect is, well, the effect of these images. For someone like me who is not a gamer... the effect is disconnecting and without playing gives you an idea of what it's about. The film makes you feel what video games really are while you're hearing about their effects; it's very powerful and a must-see. Many documentaries have footage that shows you what the subject is about very few make you feel it like this one does..."
The movie is highly objective, presents both sides of the coin and touches all existing major arguments surrounding this highly polarized debate. It also uses the interviews of game designers, critics and other people involved in this sphere. I think that watching this movie will definitely be useful and productive experience for people interested in violent video games' topic.
The trailer avaliable at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIu3JMGxk3Q
Solutions of a Problem
It is unquestionable that excessive exposure to the video games does have bad consequences for children, but fortunately there are ways to avoid the danger and improve the situation. I've discovered a helpful report written by Dr Tanya Byron: Safer Children in a Digital World which is about making video games less hazardous for children. The author not only discusses the current game classification/rating systems in Europe, but also comes up with the ways of improving these ratings. The author gives the exact guideline of improving the game classification system and tips on raising the parent awareness on this issue. The article also touches the parental control mechanisms, which are effective tools in monitoring child's activity, though not being so well-known about yet. Above all the author stresses the importance of a one single game classification system that would cause less confusion and be powerful enough to ban some games from release.
I think that the guidelines introduced in this report are helpful and realistic and should be considered by the governmental institutions and the game industries as well.
Aricle available at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/pdfs/Final%20Report%20Bookmarked.pdf
I think that the guidelines introduced in this report are helpful and realistic and should be considered by the governmental institutions and the game industries as well.
Aricle available at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/pdfs/Final%20Report%20Bookmarked.pdf
Introduction
Hi dear guest! The purpose of this blog is to show you how harmful video games can be for our children and provide you with various solutions of this problem.
In this world of media dominance, it is easy to underestimate or simply forget about the damage excessive media exposure does to our children's overall health. This damage is a tricky one, because it doesn't show up instantly and intensely, but it is there and should definitely be taken care of. The excessive exposure to media ( especially videogames) may lead not only to the physical harms (weight gain, sight damage, inactivity, sleep disorders), but also mental problems that result in lower academic achievements and even increased level of aggression and violence.
The blog will provide you with the factual evidence of the harm video games impose on children, will discuss some articles and research material related to this topic and in short, will try to make you truly aware of the danger.
You are welcomed to ask any questions, write any comments about this issue. I'm looking forward for your participation.
In this world of media dominance, it is easy to underestimate or simply forget about the damage excessive media exposure does to our children's overall health. This damage is a tricky one, because it doesn't show up instantly and intensely, but it is there and should definitely be taken care of. The excessive exposure to media ( especially videogames) may lead not only to the physical harms (weight gain, sight damage, inactivity, sleep disorders), but also mental problems that result in lower academic achievements and even increased level of aggression and violence.
The blog will provide you with the factual evidence of the harm video games impose on children, will discuss some articles and research material related to this topic and in short, will try to make you truly aware of the danger.
You are welcomed to ask any questions, write any comments about this issue. I'm looking forward for your participation.
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