Effects of video games and current media on opinions of war and combat

¶ … Video Games and Views on Combat

Modern computer games are incredibly realistic, allowing users to create complex on-screen identities and relationships. Military-oriented thematic games in particular allow users to establish "units" that mirror real military units, complete with hierarchical command structures, operational responsibilities, and realistic tactical capabilities. Some of those games feature realistic representations of historical military conflicts down to specific battles featuring the same units that may have faced one another during the Battle of the Bulge, the Nazi Siege of Stalingrad, or the Tet Offensive, for just a few examples. Users appreciate the realism of employing the same weapons and tactics used by the real-world military counterparts of their on-screen characters; they also enjoy the realism of the weaponry and other military equipment available to on-screen soldiers. Critics of this form of entertainment object to the manner in which these types of games trivialize the horrific reality of real military conflict and promote realistic violence without appreciation for the consequences of the carnage inflicted by military armaments in the real world. Meanwhile, the popular media present a more sobering view of real-world military conflict, particularly in connection with the continual report of U.S. casualties in the two current foreign theaters of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Direct Effects of Video Games on Perceptions about Military Combat

Modern digital media has advanced to the point that players of video games can experience so-called "virtual worlds" that are incredibly detailed and that accurately depict the real-world analogs of the situations and circumstances that they portray on screen. Military-themed computer games in particular allow users to become thoroughly familiar with and knowledgeable about the actual weapon systems issued to armed services personnel in the field. Moreover, those games are particular to specific time periods and historic battles allowing users to re-enact battles from virtually any battle in the annals of U.S. military history. That realism also extends to the violence capable of being inflicted by guns, explosive artillery, mortars, fighting vehicles, and both strategic bombers and tactical fighter aircraft. Many of the games are so realistic that users can actually become extremely knowledgeable about military weapons systems as well as in their intended tactical use in the field of battle.

It is precisely the realism of these computer-based video games that concerns many parents. They worry that the games desensitize users to the horrific realities of military combat in the real world in addition to doing so in a framework that minimizes the consequences of death and maiming on the battlefield because lives lost in video games can be "reset" by a button. They worry that young people exposed to these games may fail to appreciate the consequences of violence in general and of combat violence in particular. Likewise, they are concerned that involvement in these types of games could increase interest in military service without a realistic appreciation of the true nature and extent of the personal risks and moral responsibilities involved.

In particular, military-oriented computer-based video games typically feature depictions of gruesome injuries and deaths by virtually every manner conceivable through the use of military weaponry. Even in the most general sense in relation to exposure to graphic and gratuitous violence, military combat-inspired video games may be harmful to young people. More specifically, the depiction of violence in connection with military combat promotes the idea that military force and deadly force is acceptable as a response to any potential conflict. To the extent that it is important for the general public to appreciate the serious consequences of military conflict, exposure to thee games, especially among young people who are so impressionable, may be contrary to the interests of society in principle.

Community Response to Military-Sponsored Video Game Centers

The connection between computer-based video games and real-world knowledge about military weapons systems and tactical combat operations has not been overlooked by the U.S. military either. Various state and local laws strictly prohibit military recruiters from approaching individuals under the age of 17. Partly to get around these restrictions, the U.S. military has established video gaming centers in several states where middle school-age students and high school-age students can play the latest computer-based video games for free. These centers are festooned with military-oriented artwork and memorabilia and staffed by military personnel in civilian clothes who do not approach underage players. Nevertheless, critics of these centers point out that their obvious purpose is to inculcate young people with a military mindset and with a psychological orientation that greatly increases their receptivity to military recruitment efforts later and their interest in and inclination to military service.

The Direct Effects of Popular Media on Perceptions about Military Combat

The encouragement and possible desensitizing effect attributable to military-oriented computer-based video games are somewhat counteracted by the sobering reports of U.S. casualties in the two combat theaters in which U.S. forces have been involved in operations since 2001. Combat operations and, therefore, reports of U.S. casualties have ceased in Iraq since the U.S. military shifted from a combat role to a security and support role. However, casualty reports continue to roll in from Afghanistan with U.S. losses actually increasing substantially since the cessation of combat in Iraq rather than decreasing. In addition, thousands of young men grievously injured in both theaters provide a vivid contrast to the unrealistic aspect of military conflict represented in video games.

In many American communities, local news reports profile the heroism and sacrifices already made by so many young American armed service members who recently fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. In that respect, popular media does provide a counterbalance to the desensitizing effects of continual exposure to violence without consequences in video games. However, other aspects of popular media, such as movies and commercial advertisements for movies and video games also contribute to the problem from the point-of-view of those who are most concerned with the detrimental effects of video games.