There are so many games and so many stories in the media that  promote violence and advertise it as fun or as a normal thing. Violence in video games and in the media has had a tremendous effect on children and teens, even some adults. For example, some of the most popular games in the world such as “Call of Duty” and “Grand Theft Auto” promote an incredible amount of violence.

There have been many recent shootings all around the country, and this has had a major effect on kids and teens. There have been recent studies showing how violence in videogames and the media have affected decisions and the thoughts that people make.

Increasing reports of bullying can be partially attributed to the popularity of violent video games. The 2008 study Grand Theft Childhood reported that 60% of middle school boys who played at least one Mature-rated game hit or beat up someone, compared to 39% of boys that did not play Mature-rated games.

Video games often reward players for simulating violence, and thus enhance the learning of violent behaviors. Studies suggest that when violence is rewarded in video games, players exhibit increased aggressive behavior compared to players of video games where violence is punished.

Violent video games desensitize players to real-life violence. It is common for victims in video games to disappear off screen when they are killed or for players to have multiple lives. In a 2005 study, violent video game exposure has been linked to reduced P300 amplitudes in the brain, which is associated with desensitization to violence and increases in aggressive behavior.

There are three main consequences that violence has on kids, teens, and young adults. They will less sensitive to other people’s pain, they may be more fearful of the world around them, and they may be more harmful to people around them.

Every violent scene in a movie or on a video game has the potential to have a negative effect on the viewer.