Write a 8 pages paper on effects of violent video games on adolescent behavior. An adolescent is a young person, mainly falling in the age bracket of 12 – 18 years. Research as per the entertainment software association proves that the largest percentage of video game users fall in this category. Of these, the ratio of girl is to boy usage is 1:4, respectively (Wade & Beck, 2006).

Research done by Anderson & Bushman (2001), to assess the effects of violent computer game use, focuses on given elements to make the right assertion. These include educational achievements connected to the use of games, as well as, the health and behaviour progressions resulting from the use of violent computer games. The researchers also examine other factors, including game mechanics, structure, and their effect with regards to use hand and visual coordination. The conclusion drawn by these authors is that violent games lack educative benefits and further lead to behavioural deterioration, as is evident from juvenile delinquency.

According to Radoff (2009), computer games are inbuilt simulations in software form, where a human has control over the modelled characters. The author posits that, whereas violent computer games cause amusement in the short-term, the long-term effects could be wanting. Great debates and opinions arise, as to their effects both socially and scientifically. While proposers argue that it is a form of expression media, thus protected by the freedom therein, others point out their harmful nature (Herz, 1997). However, scientific arguments by Freedman (2002) provide a more viable argument in regard to this topic. The scientist’s debates revolve around the negative effects of violent video games such as aggression and addiction. Several violence incidents tend to occur, as a result of perpetrators playing violent video games. According to research conducted by Kurtner & Olsen (2008), both negative and positive effects occur as a result of playing violent computer games. However, in support of Freedman (2002), the author is emphatic that the negative effects outweigh the positive aspects.