Social Relations - Conflict, Cooperation, and Attraction

Many social psychologists have tried to determine what factors lead to violence, particularly because of the recent increase in the number of mass shootings that have occurred in the United States. Studies like Bandura's "Bobo Doll" experiments have shown that young children are more likely to act violently if they see aggressive behavior modeled. Because of studies like this, questions have been raised as to whether video games play a role in extreme violence carried out by mass shooters.

In the 1990s, there was a push to create laws that limited children's access to video games. While no national law was imposed, in 2005, the state of California passed a law that banned the sale of violent video games to minors who did not have parental supervision. Then, in 2011, the Supreme Court of the United States was asked to determine if this law was constitutional.

With regard to the effects video games have on violence, do you believe enough evidence exists to justify the Supreme Court's ban on video game sales to minors? Do you believe that any real or perceived danger caused by video games outweighs the limits of free speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution?

Take a moment to consider your answers to these questions. Then, post your responses in the discussion area. Return to the topic several times over the next few days to read your course-mates' posts. Reply to at least two of them, making sure to offer new insights, ask questions, and encourage further conversation.