Tuesday 18 November 2014

1x.5 Violent video games

We've just read about how a family's experience of playing Grand Theft Auto clashed with widespread beliefs and prejudices against violent video games. What are your opinions on this matter? Discuss the questions below in small groups.


- Do you usually play video games? How often?
- Have video games changed the way teenagers spend their free time? How?
- In your opinion, what positive and negative impact can video games have on people's lives?
- Human personality is shaped and defined during adolescence. In your opinion, can video games play a role in the development of teenagers' personalities?
- Do you think violent video games can influence people's behaviour? Why (not)?


Well, let's take a look at what different experts have to say on this issue. Watch this video and take notes to try to answer the questions below.



Comprehension questions:

- What did the study carried out by the Ohio State University consist of?
- What were its conclusions?
- What are some differing viewpoints that the video presents about playing video games?
- What do the students interviewed say about video games?
- What measure has the video game industry taken to help protect society from exposure to violence?