Interactive mediums like video games could have greater affect on users than passive mediums such as television

            It is undoubtedly clear that the media has a profound effect on many aspects of today’s society. When we see something on television or in movies, we are likely to replicate it in our own lives. The same can be applied to video games, but to an even higher degree since it is an interactive form of media, as opposed to television, which is passive.  I believe that a highly interactive medium like video games has the potential to have a greater affect on media users than a more passive medium like television.

            There is no question that television has a significant affect on its viewers. This can be proven through research, such as the Bobo Doll studies, which were preformed in the 1950s. These experiments showed that children who watched violent television shows where the aggressor was rewarded were more likely to become violent (such as punching the Bobo Doll) and aggressive than children who watched television where the violent person was punished. Video games have also shown a similar affect on their users. According to a New York Times article, a study was conducted at Iowa State University where undergraduates played Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance then were told to give hot sauce to a fellow student who did not like spicy foods. Compared to students who played a nonviolent video game, the Mortal Kombat students were more aggressive and gave out more hot sauce.

            While it is clear that television and video games both have an affect on their users, I believe that video games are more influential. I think this comes down to the fact that television is a passive medium while video games are highly interactive. When you are watching a violent television show, you are simply watching actors engage in violence. However, when you are playing violent video games, you are the one doing the shooting and killing. According to an article from PBS, “Video games could be expected to have a larger effect than media violence. The player is participating. They’re being reinforced.” The reinforcement discussed in the PBS article comes from being rewarded after completing a violent task, which usually involves shooting or killing many people. While there isn’t enough conclusive evidence to prove that video games have a larger affect than television, I believe they do simply because of the fact that video games are interactive and allow the user to have the experience of shooting, killing, and acting violent. However, neither television nor video games can be held fully responsible for any resulting violence. Parents can be held equally accountable, as there are ratings on TV shows and video games based on age, as well as many viable alternatives to violent shows and games. 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/body/what-science-knows-about-video-games-and-violence/

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/science/studying-the-effects-of-playing-violent-video-games.html?_r=0