Dangerous games: Youth in the digital jungle - Pro and Contra on Wednesday!

Dangerous games: Youth in the digital jungle - Pro and Contra on Wednesday!

A shocking incident in Graz, Austria currently employs the public. In a recent report by OTS, a 21-year-old Styrian is discussed, who played violent games on several online platforms, especially first-person shooters. It is worrying that he made positive statements about assassins and posted pictures of his weapons as well as a photo of his school shortly before an intended killing spree. These disturbing activities raise questions about whether his online activities actually gave information about his plans.

There are different opinions among experts as to whether a comprehensive evaluation of its social media could have actually indicated an upcoming act of violence. Some argue that such an analysis is impossible due to the large number and complexity of social media. Despite these arguments, the concerns about the influence of online games remain on the feeling for reality.

influence of gaming on our youth

Next Wednesday, June 18, 2025, will discuss these essential topics in the “Pro and Contra” talk on Joyn and Twitch, as well as on pulse 4. Experts can contribute their view of the potential dangers of violent video games. The guests include Johanna Jach, spokeswoman for families and National Council MP of the ÖVP, as well as the online gamer and influencer Rafael Eisler, digital coach Daniel Wolff and Florian Buschmann, an author who deals with the topic of computer addiction. Gundula Geikinger takes over the moderation.

The debate about the connection between gaming and violence is not new. As the Spiegel Video games have been researched on their effects on the behavior of children and adolescents for decades. These games are suspected of promoting aggression and creating negative psychological effects. Research shows that children who have deficits in emotion regulation and impulse control show a higher risk of aggressive behavior.

scientific discussion

The argument about the effects of violent games is complex. The ifak emphasizes that aggression is defined as behavior that can damage or violate other living things. Media consumption plays a crucial role here, since repeated consumption of violent content has been identified as a factor that can favor aggressive behavior. It is pointed out that 60 % of children regularly play video games in Germany, whereby 23 % doing this every day.

The study situation is inconsistent. While some long -term studies determine a connection between the consumption of violent games and aggressive behavior, others come to the conclusion that there is no sufficient evidence of desensitization towards violence. Parents are advised to actively accompany the game consumption of their children and not to rely on age ratios. This topic is also dealt with in detail in the upcoming talk "Pro and Contra", which shows that it requires more than just a one -off discussion.

The persistent debate about the influence of digital violent game scenarios is a sign that there is an urgent need for action to protect the youth and to raise awareness of the implications of game behavior.