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Kenneth Strickland
Professor Malcolm Campbell
English 1103
October 6, 2015
Topic Proposal: Do sport/shooting video games trigger aggression in teenagers?
Introduction/Overview
The topic Im interested in is whether or not aggression can be triggered in teenagers
when they play shooting and/or sports games. It is a widely debated topic as to whether video
games make teenagers act aggressively or do the teenagers who play these video games already
show signs of aggression?
Violence and fierce competition are both known contributors in sparking aggression.
However; when you make these two contributors virtual, will it still have the same effect as it
would in reality? Most scientists argue that video games dont stimulate aggression or violence,
while some others say that video games dont exactly stimulate aggressive behavior, but it does
make it much more likely to occur. Then there are those scientists who believe that violence and
intense competition in video games can be directly linked to some forms of aggression and
violence in teenagers who play these games. In fact, it is even argued that video games help
teenagers channel their anger into a virtual world rather than in reality. There has yet to be a
definitive answer as to how video games effect the aggression of teenagers.
Video games are growing more advanced, as the graphics become more intense.
However; the modification of the graphics intensity isnt the only thing increasing, as video
games are becoming more violent and more competitive. For example, in the latest issued 2k
sports game, 2k16, it was pointed out that the defensive mechanics were advanced in order to

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make it harder to score on offense and thus enhance the competitiveness of the game. Probably a
game with more potential effects of increased violence is Grand Theft Auto. The graphics,
intensity, and violence in Grand Theft Auto, is increased greatly with each new release of the
game. The purpose of this game is to provide violence, aggression, and entertainment in a virtual
world. With aggressive video games like: Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Assassins Creed, etc.
and competitive games like: 2k16, Madden, Halo, etc. it is hard to believe that these games dont
trigger some form of aggression and/or violence.
The debate about this correlation is especially important to parents who question whether
they should buy these types of video games for their children. Parents are rightfully questioning
the effects that these games have on their children, as most parents are skeptical about video
games like this, especially video games that promote violence and aggression. Teenagers are at
an age where their emotions run high and their actions are highly dependent on their experiences,
thus it raises suspicion as to whether video games are a contributor to teenagers aggression,
being that they are at an influenced time in their lives.

Initial Inquiry Question(s)

Do sports/shooting video games trigger aggression in teenagers? Are teenagers more
likely to be influenced by video games, if not then what age group is? If video games play a role
in affecting ones aggression, how will it change ones actions? Do some video games influence
teenagers more than others, if so then what are those specific games and why are they more
influential? Do more teenagers who are more aggressive, play more aggressive video games as a
cope in letting their anger out in a virtual world? If video games do effect ones aggression, than
how dangerous is it for teenagers to play these types of games? What are the potential

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consequences of teenagers playing violent and/or intensely competitive video games. How long
does one have to play a video game to be influenced? Lastly, does the rating of the video game
correlate with how much a teenager will be influenced and/or show signs of aggression.

My Interest in this Topic

Im interested in my topic primarily, because the answer to my initial inquiry question
will directly affect me as well since I play these violent and competitive video games. I routinely
find myself angry when I lose a competitive game; when I lose competitive games to my friends
I find myself angry and arguing about the outcome. Ive noticed this same reaction in people that
Ive watched play competitive games as well; in fact, I almost watched a fight break out over a
virtual game before. Even when I play Call of Duty online I find myself cursing when I die, and I
personally experience a burst of anger. This topic is significant, because video games play a
major role in my life.
1. I know that video games have a personal effect on me and makes me experience
short bursts of anger.
2. I hope to learn how influential video games are in general. I also want to know if
aggression can be directly linked to some video games, or is it simply just
definitive of a persons natural characteristics? Lastly, I hope to learn how
negatively impactful are video games versus how positively impactful they are.

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Next Steps
To address the questions on my topic, I will look at psychological articles about the
potential effects of aggressive video games. I will also look for interviews done my
psychologists to see if other people also feel affected by video games. I do plan to use the
librarys database to assist me in starting my research and finding reliable sources. Journalistic
articles will be essential, because they cover the opinion of adults on aggressive and competitive
video games. Lastly, I plan to use Wikipedia to help relay me to some other reliable sources.