Effects of Video Games on Youth Development: Using Media Effects Theories to Uncover the Truth

Abstract

In this presentation, we explore the advantageous and harmful effects that video games have on today's youth throughmedia desensitization and the social cognitive theory.We examine these using both the GAM and PENS model.We will discuss how violent video games consumed over a long period of time can desensitize a viewer, and even cause aggressive behavioral changes. As well as th epositive impact that video games can make in education and child development, through various virtual style learning programs.