Literature Review

Lowenstein (2005) supports the view that video games do not cause people to commit acts of violence: “I don't think video games inspire people to commit crimes. If people have a criminal mind, it's not because they're getting their ideas from the video games.” Another researcher, Ferguson (2009) who works for the A&M International University agrees with this view: “ Video games present something of a 'straw man' by which politicians can create an appearance of taking action against crime.” Therefore, politicians use video games to take the blame for violence rather than addressing the real causes. However, the video game industry denies any link between video games and violence. The World Today (2000) states that “There is absolutely no evidence, none, that playing a violent video game leads to aggressive behaviour.” But although many think that it “is now clear that playing violent video games increases aggressive behavior and decreases prosocial behavior in children and in young adults. There is much more work needed, however.” (Calvert. et al., 2002).