Are violent video games making our generation more violent?

Although I do believe that video games (regardless of their violence level, gore level, etc.) all have effects on our development as children, I disagree with the overall idea that we can make a rule about how these effect us. Sure, we can say that some violent games can make children more violent and prone to violent actions, but I am living proof that you can not generalize this towards all children...I grew up playing games like Quake, Doom, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, etc., and I am actually one of the most unviolent, relaxed people you will ever meet...

I agree with you. I think playing violent video games can contribute to violence, however, it does not directly induce bad behavior. I also think having constant exposure to violence makes children think that violence is normal. I think it desensitizes them. I think it would be interesting if there was a study comparing levels of aggression when playing a video game now a days to playing a video game 20 years ago. I think it is important for parents to monitor the games their kids are playing and be aware of what these games may be teaching their kids. However, I also understand a game is just a game and it doesn't mean if I kid is playing grand theft auto that he is going to go out and try and steal cars.

This is an incredibly interesting topic. I agree that violent video games can increase aggressive behavior, but may not directly induce it. It seems that another factor would have to be in play, such as real-world conflict, to cause violent behavior. However, it's very believable that aggressive thoughts increase. Another factor of violent video games is that it seems to desensitize violence. I'm curious as to whether playing these types of games makes one more tolerant of violent behavior, or increases the perception that it is socially acceptable to hurt people.