Guard Your Heart

Super Mario

Does this man look dangerous? Of course not! We know him as the beloved Mario from the Nintendo video games. Many of our children grew up on Mario, just like those of my generation grew up with Captain Kangaroo and Dr. Max. Surely Mario means no harm.

Although Mario is a rather harmless character, other video games are filled with first-person violence that is disturbing, and we are finding, dangerous. Based on an examination of the research that shows the negative influences of violence in interactive media on youth, the American Psychological Association (APA) today adopted a resolution recommending that all violence be reduced in video games Additionally, the APA also encourages parents, educators and health care providers to help youth make more informed choices about which games to play.

Here is a portion of their report.

The policy decision, made by the APA Council of Representatives, was adopted at the recommendation of a special Committee on Violence in Video Games and Interactive Media of the Media Psychology Division of APA, which reviewed the research indicating that exposure to violence in video games increases aggressive thoughts, aggressive behavior, and angry feelings among youth. In addition, this exposure reduces helpful behavior and increases physiological arousal in children and adolescents.

Research on media violence also revealed, that perpetrators go unpunished 73 percent of the time in all violent scenes. “Showing violent acts without consequences teach youth that violence is an effective means of resolving conflict. Whereas, seeing pain and suffering as a consequence can inhibit aggressive behavior”, says psychologist Elizabeth Carll, PhD, co-chair of the Committee on Violence in Video Games and Interactive Media.

Studies on learning also show that active participation may influence learning more than passive observation. “Violence in video games appear to have similar negative effects as viewing violence on TV, but may be more harmful because of the interactive nature of video games," says Dr. Elizabeth Carll, who is a private practitioner in New York and a past president of the Media Division of APA. “Playing video games involves practice, repetition, and being rewarded for numerous acts of violence, which may intensify the learning. This may also result in more realistic experiences which may potentially increase aggressive behavior,” added Carll.

Psychologists are merely discovering the ancient wisdom found in the Scriptures - that there is a direct correlation between what we think about and behavior. In a time of increasing violence, aggressive behavior and a preoccupation with death, followers of Christ need to stand up for life. We need to reaffirm our commitment to bring reconciliation and peace, not division and violence. We need to be careful to guard our hearts.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23