Video Games: "The Devil's Tool"

The Misperception of the Modern Video Game

by Wes Hardin

I have seen a number of people arguing that video games are to blame (as usual) for the violence in our world.

I obviously disagree, but I would like to explain why.

When you play a video game as an adult, you understand that it isn't real. You understand that it is a fantasy world and you don't actually live within the confines of said game.

If parents don't teach their children the line between fantasy and reality, how can we expect them to grow up knowing the difference?

We're coming up on a holiday that is supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but actually creates this marketable fantasy complete with a lie about an all-seeing present-bringer. Why do we choose to lie to our children for years, and then expect them to understand the difference between fantasy and reality?

And how can parents teach their children about that difference if they spend hours watching totally scripted "reality tv"? If the parents themselves don't know the line between fantasy and reality, how can they teach anyone?

Too often, we find ourselves trying to escape this world and live vicariously through others. I argue that not having the ability to come back down to earth is what causes people to not understand the differences.

Another reason I disagree: there are millions of kids/teens/adults playing these "violent" video games and yet we have had a decline in crime over the last decade. Am I to believe that the games are responsible, even though the total number of gamers has increased and the total number of crimes has decreased?

The gaming world is extensive. At almost any time, you can sign into Xbox Live and find around a million gamers actively playing games. Playstation Network has a large following as well.

My point is, let's look to ourselves before continuing to blame the world around us.

I have spent the majority of my life playing these so-called violent games, and yet I'm one of the least violent people you'll meet. My brother, and almost every one of my friends, also plays these games. None of us are violent.

There have been a few studies that show a moderate level of gameplay is actually GOOD for teens, in order to get out aggression. They also build relationships with other gamers, and the world of gamers spans ALL socio-economic brackets. Video games can create bonds between people where otherwise they would have nothing in common.

I argue that video games are a GOOD thing. And I plan on letting my daughter delve into these games as much as she wishes.