Gun Control Plan Targets Violent Video Games
By: Robert Bumsted
Updated: January 16, 2013
President Obama's 23 point plan to curb gun violence covers a wide range of gun control measures -- one of which you may find surprising.The proposal directs $10 million to study the relationship between video games and gun violence.
Studies done in the past have shown there is a link between increased violent behavior and video games. However, many experts say the findings are inconclusive and often contradict each other.
"[Some] research shows that playing violent video games reduces activity in the parts of the brain normally associated with empathy and helping," says Ken Borden, a professor of psychology at IPFW.
Borden says although research shows that there is a link between violent games and bad behavior, only a small portion of the population experiences the effects in a meaningful way.
President Obama's plan leaves the decision to fund video game research up to the Congress -- so expect to see some push-back from game makers. In 2011, Americans purchased more than $7 billino in video game titles.
Studies done in the past have shown there is a link between increased violent behavior and video games. However, many experts say the findings are inconclusive and often contradict each other.
"[Some] research shows that playing violent video games reduces activity in the parts of the brain normally associated with empathy and helping," says Ken Borden, a professor of psychology at IPFW.
Borden says although research shows that there is a link between violent games and bad behavior, only a small portion of the population experiences the effects in a meaningful way.
President Obama's plan leaves the decision to fund video game research up to the Congress -- so expect to see some push-back from game makers. In 2011, Americans purchased more than $7 billino in video game titles.
