Grand Theft Childhood

Posted by on 2008/03/08

Game couch.com has an interesting interview posted with Dr Cheryl K. Olson, who was part of a Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts sponsored study into the influence of violent video games on children. However, what was revolutionary about the findings is that children are not lead down the path to nihilistic lifestyles by games like Grand Theft Auto, and are instead using games to manage their feelings. Dr. Olson, discusses in the interview some of the really truly bad science that has been undertaken by psychologists and scientists regarding this issue that has done little but serve political ends. Really a great read and a breath of fresh air in a debate that has used science to voice the same tired blaming that comics, rock and roll, and television have be accused of and scapegoated over.

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  • Bionic Groin

    When you said Grand Theft Childhood I thought you were talking about the video game, Bully, that has been released by Rockstar Vancouver. It has already drawn fire from the expected groups and individuals, but is being stocked anyways.

    Also I heard there’s a cheat that lets your dude make out with other boys.

  • jevon

    of course there are cheats and hacks. people always do that crazy stuff. like the infamous hot coffee mod.

  • Bionic Groin

    Actually I don’t even think it’s a cheat but a regular option in the game. If that’s the case then it’s the first non-japanese game I’ve heard of where you score points for getting boys to make out with each other.