Fourth Annotated Bibliography

Miller, Michael MD. “Violent video games and young people”. Harvard Mental Health Letter. 27-4. (2010): Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.

This article is a discussion on whether or not playing video games can contribute to violence in real life and other harmful side effects.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) cite studies that say that violent video games involve first-person action and role-playing, which can desensitize children emotionally and lead to aggressiveness and bullying.  Other researchers deny the view that violent video games lead to violent behavior.  These researchers argue that many of the studies assess aggression that doesn’t relate to real-life violence, and of larger weight, that the studies themselves are observational and don’t prove cause and effect.  They believe that one could already have a violent disposition and playing violent video games proved no difference, having already been aggressive. Most children associate video games as fun to play and as a way to socialize with people so they do prove somewhat beneficial.  The AAP, AACAP, and the other researchers do agree though that certain precautions can be taken to prevent the effects of violent content.