Advertisement

Violence And Video Games

14:48
Download Audio
Resume
A screenshot from the video game Grand Theft Auto.
A screenshot from the video game Grand Theft Auto.

There's also been lots of discussion about what caused the Sandy Hook tragedy, including whether video games that depict graphic violence may have played a role.

We know that the Newtown shooter, Adam Lanza, was a loner who played violent video games. So was that a factor? The answer is not straightforward. Nor are the politics.

Massachusetts lawmakers have proposed legislation to study that question. But the video game companies say the bill contains unfair inflammatory language, like "killing games" and "rampage." They also say years of studies have shown no causal link between watching violence in the media and real violence.

Guests

Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Health at Boston Children's Hospital

Eugene Beresin, psychiatrist and executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Mass General Hospital

This segment aired on December 13, 2013.

Advertisement

More from Radio Boston

Listen Live
Close