Are some shootings caused by video games

While there is some speculation that video games may cause violence there has been no actual evidence to support this theory. It is primarily rhetoric used by politicians and media to stir up pointless debates and cloud the judgement of viewers into not looking at the real problems this country is facing.

Violence has existed throughout human history and guns predate video games by two centuries.

The few studies which have been performed have shown no valid links between video games and violence of any kind.

A violent person is going to find an outlet for their rage regardless of what entertainment they have been exposed to. And most people without a mental disorder have the ability to discern the difference between reality and fantasy and are not encouraged to act out a game simply because they have played it.

Though anecdotal in nature, one of the most interesting investigations into the subject was done by Penn & Teller on their show BullSh*t. Several probing questions are asked and experts consulted but the moment of truth comes when a young boy who spends much of his free time playing first person shooter video games is given a real gun to shoot. The experience of firing the real gun is traumatic and the kid ends the show in tears with no interest in real weapons, he just wants his games back.

Other more scientific studies have been done as well with similar results, though the Penn & Teller version is arguably as accurate and more entertaining to watch.