Critical Miss: Gamer Science

[fatguy925]

This is actually very true, the quote "It's funny because its true" applies here, where gamers turn a blind eye to the negatives of gaming. But there are studies that say games are positive and negative... just putting it out there. Need more games where u can actually meet other players or something... but damn creepers are the risk of it.
Most people play with friends in video games, thus helps build some sort of relationship
SO i liked the comic, it true, but kinda overkill for me to the point its untrue

 

[fatguy925]

sry double post

 

[Doug]

Too true. Gamers are so quick to try to discredit or dismiss studies that come out in some way against their hobby, but herald pro-game studies as the truth. You can't have it both ways, guys.

True; however, it doesn't help the case of the anti-gaming results when they tend to be funded by groups who've traditionally opposed gaming for various reasons. Though I believe a report done by the government (UK) basically stated 'there are problems, but we can't turn our backs on this'. If I could remember the name of the woman in charge of the commission, I'd find and link it (if anyone manages, let me know please - I believe it was during the later part of Tony Blair's PM-ship).

 

[ultrachicken]

Lol, basically

There's a happy medium, I just think neither scientific "side" of the arguement wants to look for it.

BTW: Most Stealth Bombers have at one point in their life played a video game with a joystick. Proof that video games can have a practical application ^^

Most Stealth Bombers have at one point in their life brushed their teeth. That must mean that Crest toothpaste helps train people to become stealth bombers!

 

[Arppis]

Weeeeeeell, the guy does have a hawaiji shirt! So he might be right!

 

[Ghengis John]

Hate to say it but thats about the truth

Quoted for truth. Very brave of you though Carter and Rydell, prepare for the hatewave.

But what gamer could argue with a lady scientist who was also a babe? I'm having trouble picturing that scenario.

 

[Soak]

Funny as ever, also interesting topic of public interest!
IT IS TRUE, gamers gain flight and laser vision through gaming - eh, wait, wrong study - it is true, looking from a psychological point, playing "violent" video games, just as watching violent movies increases the testosterone output which increases the potential aggression temporarily e.g.
The bullshit part is about all those newscasts showing only half the truth/ showing only what they think is pleasing the common sense. The whole truth is that our social life is influenced by more than just one component like videogames and violent behavior isn't based on playing violent videogames (only) but on the whole background and it also occurs without the influence of violent media. While on the other hand, i never saw a newscast mentioning the positive influences like increased eye-hand coordination, reaction, tactical thinking e.g., which, vice versa, aren't influenced by videogames only. Not to mention those who never differ between actually different games or even the different genres but think all games are "like CoD".

Guess this isn't new for those around, but it would be nice if the public media and common sence would include this, rather blaming media including violent content for violent behavior, but to think of their own role in this dilemma.

 

[skitzo van]

I've noticed this everywhere on the internet, but mostly on this damn site, I've never spoken out against for I know the hypocritical douchebags that make up a portion of this site would come down on me, but I'm glad someone did. Bravo

 

[Lono Shrugged]

Out of everything in life it's probably games that are the last thing to inspire me to shank someone.

Great as usual but I miss the old disgustingly filthy comics.

 

[SteewpidZombie]

I'm a gamer, and I play tons of violent games (luv em). I'm not gonna try and toss up some huge argument to justify why one group is wrong, the FACT is that some gamers are just complete idiots who fly off the handle and get their rage-on the moment something challenges their hobby. I personally don't rage and I can understand why some studies say what they say. Gamers are in the end, just human beings. Some of us are morons, others are brilliant, yet many gamers tend to band together if one of us is being affected. It could be that Gamers feel almost like...eh...a brotherhood or something? since we all share a medium that no other group shares. We interact with one-another on a daily basis through games or forums, and we can easily relate to other gamers through our favorite and disliked games (If I enjoy game A and hate game B, I'm sure their are hundreds of others who agree).

So all in all, people just need to chill out and ignore what anyone says. Just start spending more time playing games, and less time caring about what some people CLAIM to know about video games (Cause honestly...most of those 'scientists' and 'experts' don't prolly even play videogames).

 

[Jumplion]

Critical Miss: Gamer Science

Slander versus Pander.


Read Full Article

I love you so much right now.

I've already stated my opinion of the recent, horribly written and biased article the writer wrote on the [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.286870-Psychology-Study-Blames-Games-for-Aggressive-Behavior#11320063] psychological study of the effects of violent video games, so thank you for wrapping all of that up in two panels.

Video games have an impact of people whether positive or negative. It's great that we scrutinize the studies that claim negative behavior, but we don't do that for the right reasons. Instead of pointing out the flaws in the study and wanting more efficient studies, we simply toss out an data they find because we don't like it. And yet when another study promotes positive reactions we all cheer and believe every single word it says without giving even 1/100th of the skepticism we had with the previous study.

These kinds of studies are not always out to get us. Some of these studies may be pushed with an agenda behind it, but that does not mean we should toss out everything they give us. This applies just as much to the "pro-game" studies, and it's disappointing to see people blindly support anything that sounds good to them.

 

[feather240]

This comic is even funnier if you read the news posts on this site.

 

[BlindChance]

God, so unbelievably true. We leap at every positive study and decry any negative one, and in the end it only hurts our cause. As one of my friends put it, we argue like lobbyists, not trying to find truth but instead just drag the whole discussion into the mud and prevent reasonable debate. So utterly agreed.

 

[Scott Guthrie]

FOR SCIENCE!!!!....i'll get my coat

 

[VanTesla]

Games are just like any source that can bring different emotions out of you. Games can make you feel better or become pissed off... I can see a child in development playing aggressive games on a constant basis becoming more volatile, same goes for the opposite. I feel kids should only play games that are rated to their age group or games that don't encourage or celebrate extreme violence. If certain kids express a certain mature level, then I would allow a bit more leeway.

 

[Griffolion]

Yeah, it's a little ol' thing called confirmation bias. You look for the things that confirm your pre-existing schemas and disregard those that conflict with them. While true for gamers, it happens in basically every other part of society too.

 

[EBHughsThe1st]

People want to hear what they like to hear.
Sometimes it comforts them.
Other times it makes their opinion seem a lot more valid.

It's just how we work. That's why there's a whole community on YouTube filled with Ranters who write down their rants, read them out, and get tons of views from those who agree. It reinforces the opinion.

 

[Cyrus Hanley]

Well this now seems especially relevant in light of this [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.379470-Researcher-Links-Media-and-Violence].

 

[Do4600]

If I'm skeptical about studies that show correlation between violent media and violent behavior it's because they've been doing them for over 80 YEARS and have still not shown a clear, statistically significant result.

 

[Ken Sapp]

I know I'm late to the game on this one but I had to point out after reading the strip that this behaviour is by no means exclusive to gamers. IF anything it is common to most of mankind, people cling to study findings which support their own preconceived notions and discard or attempt to discredit any findings which go against their opinion.