Many studies have demonstrated a link between violent media, such as video games, and aggressive behavior in children. What if science can show there's a real, longterm effect on the chemistry of the brain, as a study by Indiana University hints at?
Teens who play violent video games show increased activity in areas of the brain linked to emotional arousal and decreased responses in regions that govern self-control, a study released on Tuesday found.
The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to record tiny metabolic changes in brain activity in 44 adolescents who were asked to perform a series of tasks after playing either a violent or nonviolent video game for 30 minutes.
Attempts to forbid the sale of violent video games to children have failed in several states. If it could be shown that they cause actual harm, would that change the nature of the debate? Or would it still be a First Amendment issue? Most law dealing with juveniles (sexual-consent provisions, for example) hold that children don't have the same ability as adults to make informed judgments. Even if I know violent video games will change my brain chemistry, maybe I want to play them anyway. But would letting the kids play with them fall into the same category as letting them drink? Just wondering.
