“It can not be denied that the changes in childhood run parallel to the rise of television.” These are the words of Patti M. Valkenburg in her book “Children’s responses to the Screen, A Media Physiological Approach” (Valkenburg). Immediately this statement reminds people of something they have been hearing about for decades; violent media, and violent video games in particular, have a terrible effect on children and adolescents. This idea has been broadcasted from various well known sources all over the world, but is this claim actually true? Are people actually doing accurate research and examining the facts carefully? The two articles that are cited come from vastly different sources and attempt to answer the question that has been circulating …show more content…
While Olson does not agree that violent media and video games are the primary cause for crime, she does say that, “ while they may not play a starring role in headline-grabbing crimes, video games and other violent media could have less visible but significant harmful effects on children’s lives. For example, it is feasible that certain types or amounts of video game play could affect emotions, cognitions, perceptions, and behaviors in ways that promote bullying and victimization.” Olson also says that, “The report noted that there is evidence for a small to moderate short-term increase in physically and verbally aggressive behavior.” Olson expands on this point in an understandable way, making it easy for one to agree with her. (Olson). Fiona Macrae also points out the consequences of media while specifically focusing on violent media. The study by Gr. Grafman cited by Macrae in her article says that children's “....continued exposure to violent videos will make an adolescent less sensitive to violence, more accepting of violence and more likely to commit aggressive acts.” In the same article US government researchers mention that this could lead to children “becoming more likely to turn a blind eye to violence - and to commit offences themselves” (Macrae). And Although Olson sees the matter differently she does say that although there is “no indication that violence rose in lockstep with the spread of violent games” it is true that “ this is not proof of lack of harm.” Indicating that media may still have negative effects even if it is not making adolescents aggressive (Olson). Although Olson and Macrae may differ in some points, they both agree that media may have negative