As we try to make sense of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, it seems everyone has an opinion of what could have possibly driven Adam Lanza to shoot 26 innocent women and children and his mother before killing himself. Mental health advocates argue that Lanza’s mental state could have possibly played a part (he allegedly suffered from Asperger’s syndrome, though experts warn against connecting the condition with this type of violence), while gun control advocates call for stricter laws surrounding the purchase and use of guns.
Others have wondered whether the violence we see or experience in media and video games has anything to do with the recurring patterns of extreme violence in our society. Lanza reportedly spent hours playing violent war games like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” and “Dynasty Warriors,” according to his family’s former plumber. On games like “Call of Duty” and “Dynasty Warriors,” players are rewarded for carrying out heinous violence on innocent civilians. And experts have warned that being actively involved in these types of violent video games often promotes antisocial behavior. Do you agree?
Are video games and television just mindless entertainment, or do you think they play a part in violent behavior? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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