Debunking Some Common Video Game Myths
Are video games really corrupting today's youth? Well...probably not. Here's the truth about those scary video game myths.
There's no doubt that some video games can be outrageously violent; but if you believe the video game myths spread by the media, they just may portend the end of civilization as we know it. Of course, people have said the same thing about those foul-mouthed eight-year-olds on South Park.
Apparently, the pundits have forgotten that despite things like bear-baiting, cock-fighting, professional boxing, football, rugby, and even Britney Spears, our civilization is still chugging right along just fine. So in this article, we'll cut through some of the hysteria about video games, and calmly present the facts.
Myth 1: Video games have prompted a noticeable rise in youth violence.
This is probably the most insidious of all video game myths, and it's based on poor research. Studies that have suggested a causal link between violent video games and violent emotions have been based on small numbers of college students playing video games for 15 minutes at a time. That's science?
Those studies also started with the assumption that video games cause violence -- again, bad science. Unbiased, long-term studies consisting of thousands of subjects of all ages (also known as real science) shows that kids are more likely to manage their feelings and relax by playing these games.
In fact, a lot of young people use their video games to get their anger out, rather than expressing it on others. Another nail in the coffin of this particular video game myth is the fact that youth violence is at a 30-year low, while video-game playing is at an all-time high. D'oh!
Myth 2: Very few girls play video games.
Maybe this was true historically, but no longer. Recently, the offensive sexist stereotypes expressed in many video games have softened, and efforts have been made to attract more females to gaming. Indeed, there are currently more females than males playing Web-based video games.
Myth 3: Most video games are marketed to and played by kids.
This is another video game myth whose time has come and gone. Even back in the days of Pong and Pac-Man, video games were never exclusively for kids -- and the average age of players has shifted as the market has aged. Many games are so sophisticated these days that they appeal even to adults.
Statistically, more than 65% of computer and console games are played by folks 18 or older. Even the middle-aged play video games. Case in point: your humble writer just turned 42, and he still plays video games on those rare occasions when he can find the time.
Myth 4: Video games are a solitary pursuit.
Really? Where have you been for the past decade? The idea that playing video games is socially isolating was never really accurate anyhow, as most people play with friends, siblings, and even parents. Since the advent of multiplayer online games, which can connect people electronically all over the world, this video game myth has largely been rendered moot in any case.
