Video Game Violence

Video Games and Violence

Links to video games and teen violence have been proven in the last couple of years. Many argue that video games are just that, a game. But studies have shown that there is more brian activity in the emotional arousal section of the brain, called the amygdala. The research has also found that there is also a "decrease of activity in brain areas involved in self-control, inhibition, and attention." (par. 2)

But who really cares about video game violence? Definitely not the teenagers who play these types of video games. Teenagers who enjoy their PS2s and their Xboxes don't want to hear about how they may becoming more violent or losing their self-control. So who cares? Well the parents care. That is why the article "Does game violence make teens aggressive?" is completely geared towards the parents of children who play video games.

This article is very scientific and wouldn't be as interesting for a younger person to read. The subject is very appealing to adults who have teenagers because they would obviously be concerned for their kids and violence. Because it is so capturing for a parent who wants to know more about how violence and video games are related, the parent will continue reading the article to learn about the relationship.

Although other audiences may find interest in this article, for example grandparents or babysitters, the main targeted audience is the parents. "...there's a much smaller body of research on video games...That's a scary thing for a parent." (par. 16) Parents have the most influence over their children and their activities. Neighbors, friends, and relatives do not have that same inpact. These other audiences can persuade teens one way or another, but not as directly as parents. Therefore, the article is going to aim the arguments to parents. "...parents need to be more aware of how kids are using their free time." (par. 30)

I found this article on the internet and when I opened the page, an advertisement popped up. I found it interesting that an article that is against video games and violence, would have a pop up advertisement for the Xbox 360 Elite which is now $100 off. I wondered how the advertising company could be so dumb and put the new Xbox ad on "Does game violence make teens aggressive?". Then I thought that maybe teens would find this article interesting. Teens who want to argue that video games don't lead to violence might want to read this aritcle to understand the other view point. So although the main audience is the parents, teens might also read this article, even though they are not the intended audience.