Violent Video Games Only Affect Some People

An anonymous reader writes "The media would have you believe that violent video games will be the downfall of our civilization and the cause of moral decline in young people. A recent study suggests that most people aren't so easily influenced by the violence; instead, just a few bad apples are likely to react poorly, with everyone else showing little or no effect from playing these games." The American Psychological Association has posted the academic paper (PDF) as well, in addition to a few related studies. One examines how games can be a force for good (PDF), and another looks at the motivations behind children playing such games (PDF).

Wait, what?

[Noitatsidem]

So does this mean I can't use GTA as an excuse as to why I robbed my neighbor anymore?

Re:It's not violence

[Anonymous Coward]

If you imagine sex as pissy, then I think we've got a problem here.

Re:It's not violence

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm German, you insensitive clod!

Re:Duh

[somersault]

That is such a heap of bullshit, I've killed plenty of small animals and I'm definitely a well adjusted individual. Take back your fucking retarded comment or I'm gonna come over there, rip your spine out and use it to literally beat you shit out of you, then make you eat it, then beat it out again and make you eat the shit made out of the shit you already had beat out of you. You have 20 seconds to comply.

Re:Newsflash: people who play violent games like t

[biryokumaru]

There just aren't enough "Harvest Moon" modding communities out there. That's the real problem.

Re:Duh

[TheRaven64]

You have 20 seconds to comply.

Congratulations Slashdot. Your 'slow down cowboy' message just killed the grandparent.

Re:It's not violence

[sharkey]

It's sex people get really pissy about.

Whiny fuckers.

No, it's clearly comic books that are doing us in

[elrous0]

I have it on good authority [wikipedia.org] that comic books are to blame for the decline of our youth. Did you know that since 1994 (coinciding with the comic book market downturn of the mid-90's), juvenile crime has dropped by 47%? And now, with the comic book industry returning strong, juvenile delinquency is once again on the rise [newamericamedia.org]. We must put an end to this prurient influence on our youth!

I have to agree with the media . . .

[hansede]

. . . by the time I completed Barbie Wild Horse Rescue, I wanted to kill someone!

Re:It's not violence

[NotBornYesterday]

With a whip and handcuffs, just like everyone else.

Re:It's not violence

[Locke2005]

Personally, I believe most violence is caused by overexposure to Justin Beiber! I know every time I see him, I want to destroy something.