In recent years, the advances in technology have been mind blowing. Cell phones, computers, iPods, electronic gaming systems, all of these have evolved far more than anyone could have ever imagined. While there are many positives to the evolution of technology, there are definitely negatives. Our technology has consumed us.
One of the most controversial topics is the gaming world. What used to be a simple pacman game has turned into a game to see who can kill the most people. While people may not think it is such a big deal, it is. According to CNN, “About 90 percent of U.S. kids ages 8 to 16 play video games, and they spend about 13 hours a week doing so (more if you're a boy)”. These endless hours spent killing people in the virtual world have been linked to child aggression. Researchers have found that kids begin to mimic the behavior of these games whether it’s hitting, punching, kicking, etc. Kids may not realize it, but their behavior is getting increasingly more violent the more they engage in these games.
Parents, next time you go to buy your kid a video game, pay more attention to the box. Video games come with an age recommendation usually on the corner of the box. The recommendation is not there for decoration, it is meant to be taken seriously. Parents have the responsibility to help put a stop to the increasing violence in children. If your kid is 9 years old, don’t buy him a game where the goal is to kill as many people are possible.
