Do violent video games expose someone to violence? Obviously.
Do violent video games glamorize violence? Of course.
Do violent video games desensitize someone to violence? Definitely.
Do violent video games cause people to be more aggressive, in the short-term? I'd say so.

Do violent video games influence people to commit violence? Hm.

Only if you're so idiotic you can't distinguish a portrayl from reality. I'd bet half of those who blame video games for a violent act they've committed (or, more particularly, their parents) are using that as an excuse so they don't have to take accountability for their actions.

The other half, of course, are apparently too moronic to live with the rest of society, and need to distance themselves from all forms of media whatsoever. That includes Saturday morning cartoons; I don't want anyone dropping anvils off of overpasses. [/hyperbolic sarcasm]

I don't enjoy violent games, but I think it's ridiculous for anyone to blame their behavior on them. They might influence people for the worse, but they certainly won't push anyone over the edge who wasn't already falling off.

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