Violence and Video Games

Ever since the dawn of video games, violence has coincided with them. First it was the ghosts in Pac-Man attempting to kill our yellow hero, and then came Mario stomping on the shroom-like goombas. Now, these acts of violence seem extremely petty to us because, in all truth, they are. However, modern-day games are becoming exceedingly more violent, and this is definitely having an effect on our youthful population.

Now, whenever one thinks of violent video games, the name Grand Theft Auto almost always jumps to mind, but there were games much earlier than it that caused outrage in the American public. Perhaps the first game to spark this fury was the arcade classic Mortal Kombat. The ability to finish your opponent in an extremely brutal manner along with massive amounts of blood effects resulted in the game almost getting banned. This was the first example of violent video games causing an outcry, but the aforementioned Grand Theft Auto raised even more serious concerns. Almost immediately after the games release, outcries were heard around the nation. Kids became less obedient, started acting more aggressively towards their peers and superiors, and displayed less interest in school.

Whenever Grand Theft Auto first came out, it sold like hotcakes off the shelves. Every kid across America wanted it for its sandbox, no restraint gameplay. For those of you who do not know what GTA (Grand Theft Auto) entails, basically you play as a gangster in a large city whose main goals are to kill civilians, steal cars, run from cops, and all kinds of other extremely violent and illegal activities.

This doesn't just stop at video games, however. Studies have shown that four year old children who just viewed aggressive images are three times more likely to act aggressively than children who just viewed peaceful images.

This is still a hotly debated topic among many critics. Whether these violent and aggressive games and television are actually affecting our youth is not for certain. However, one must wonder how they couldn't? With technology growing more powerful every single day, the violence in games is growing as well (just check out the new Mortal Kombat, the first wasn't nearly as gory as this one. Its already been banned in Australia). Children are playing these mature rated games that exhibit extreme violence, gore, and unethical actions. Who knows, in ten years games might become realistic enough that the mind of a child is unable to distinguish them from reality, if not in the present day?

Despite whether or not these games are affecting the American public, they will continue to be produced, children will continue to play them, and if the gaming community calls for it, they will become more violent and realistic. From ghosts killing little yellow circles, to digital gangsters beating up prostitutes with baseball bats, gaming has always included violence, and that trend is not likely to stop. So now that you've heard my spill, go throw in Grand Theft Auto 4, and steal a Ferrari or two.

YouTube: Such a Common Word These Day

Justin Bieber and Leona Lewis, does these names sound familiar? Without their many videos posted on YouTube, these stars would not be where they are today. In the last five years, YouTube has taken a huge plunge and has become one of the most used websites. For many stars and singers, YouTube is what started their career. For example, Justin Bieber was an ordinary boy that had this hidden singing talent, and he had posted videos online. Before you knew it, he was this young pop star all because of his YouTube videos.

Since YouTube was established in 2005, YouTube has been one of the most well-known and popular websites everyone uses to search and watch videos. People all over the world use this website to post videos of anything and everything, such as music videos, how to videos, and even videos of violence. One of the biggest issues YouTube has had to deal with is teenagers and even adults posting violent videos. People post fights and profanity that can be and are offensive. This has put many effects on society and caused a huge stir in society. One story that made the news was a group a teen girls that planned to beat up a girl just so they could post it on YouTube and see all the views they could get. Incidents like these are not the reason YouTube was established, but a fun and a convenient site to watch your favorite videos.

While checking your email or even when your on Facebook, you usually will see a link to a YouTube video or a friend that has sent you a link to a video. YouTube has become such a common source and most people use it so casually. They get sent a link, so they go and watch the video.

One of the main reasons I think YouTube has become so popular is the convenience and how easy it is to post a video. You are able to sign up for a free account, then anyone can download a video. Singers have taken huge advantage of this site to post videos. If you have ever looked, some music videos have over a million views and thousands of comments. YouTube is a fascinating website that everyone uses and is the new medium of video entertainment.