I believe that government should not control videos and internet games not only because video or internet games are good for social relationships, but also because both primary markets for games and the majority of aggressive people are not children.
Children are not the primary market for video games so they do not have to be protected by a government system. According to the center of the video game market, most consoles and PC’s are bought by people 18 years of age or older. In 25% of video game purchases children have been directly influenced by ads and marketing. People in favor of government control would say that this 25% needs to be protected, but we must consider the fact that although these children are influenced, when it is time to purchase the game they do it with their parents. The process of deciding to purchase a video game involves a discussion between a child and his parents. Surely parents care more about their children than a government agency would. Why then do we need governments controlling video game sales. The Federal trade commission reports that in 83% of video game purchases for underage consumers, the purchases were made by parents and children together.
Another argument that supporters of government control would make is that video game play is socially isolating and damaging to both children and adults and for this reason governments should control the sales. The problem with this argument is that it’s not true. Video game play is not socially isolating. In fact, most games involve the social interaction of multiple players. 60% of gamers frequently play with friends, 33% play with siblings and 25% play with spouses or parents. According to the sociologist, Talmadge Wright, most video games are designed for multi players. In addition to the social interactions that occur while playing these games, people and children are also being taught or reminded about positive moral behavior. For example, in most games combatants fight to the death to support their friends and in general demonstrate positive behavior habits.
There is no scientific evidence that shows a link between violent youth aggression and video game playing. In fact, according to Henry Jenkins, a professor at MIT, this is one of the myths about video games. His research found that video games or violent video game play cannot turn a normal person into a violent or aggressive personality. Again, there is no need to protect children from becoming violent because the games do not produce violent children.
Therefore, government control of video game sales is completely unnecessary.