The subject of video games as they relate to criminal behavior has a long and storied history. Often demonized and rarely studied with rigor, video games have become the scapegoat of the sensational media, always seeking the quick fix, something prominently visible to pin accusations upon. But those of us who play video games have always strenuously rejected the popular notions that the games themselves are responsible for causing violent behavior. If that were true, it would be true in most cases, and clearly there are millions of us who don’t go out to become callous killers.
And now our efforts have received independent affirmation by the current Karmapa Lama Trinley Dorje, the spiritual leader of one of the largest sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In a recent interview with The Times of India, Dorje confirms that he does, in fact, play violent video games.
“If I’m having some negative thoughts or negative feelings, video games are one way in which I can release that energy in the context of the illusion of the game. I feel better afterwards,” he says. ” The aggression that comes out in the video game satiates whatever desire I might have to express that feeling. For me, that’s very skillful because when I do that I don’t have to go and hit anyone over the head.”
And there you have it, in simple language. Playing a violent video game helps to expunge negative emotions before they can erupt into real world behavior. The important consideration here should be directed to the phrase “in the context of the illusion of the game”. Dorje clearly understands the difference between actual reality and the fabricated reality of the game. If an assailant’s claim is that he can’t distinguish between the two realities, that is not the game’s fault. Such a person will latch on to any form of media that supports his broken worldview.
Let’s put a stop to the continuing demonizing of video games based on nothing more than the word of conscienceless killers. Let’s remind our children that what happens on the small screen is not reality. Finally, let’s all support any method that helps people deal with their negative thoughts and emotions in safe and healthy ways — no matter what that method may be.
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