I strongly agree about the need for good quality research. This need is strongest when we have plausible sounding reasons.
There is an interesting disconnect in public discussion about influence. Many people say that games and movies do not make people more violent, or that they only have a very small influence.
And many people say that "Thinspo"[1] or advertising is evil and should be banned because we're creating a generation of women (and also men) with body dysmorphia.
It feels odd to me that people can be so sure that games have no influence yet images of thin women in magazines has such a strong influence.
[1] thinspo style images are banned under quite a few company terms of service.
>It feels odd to me that people can be so sure that games have no influence yet images of thin women in magazines has such a strong influence.
There is clearly an invitation to mimic the presented behaviour in both cases, however whether or not people follow up on this is another issue - mainly shaped by social norms. Being thin is socially acceptable and encouraged(whether or not it is a good thing is irrelevant). Killing people - isn't.
Also the action presented has to be related to the context it is presented in. An ad shows thin people in everyday life - so kids try to imitate by starving themselves in everyday life.
Wargames present murder in context of a military conflict - well since we are NOT in the middle of a military conflict, there is no point imitating.
There is an interesting disconnect in public discussion about influence. Many people say that games and movies do not make people more violent, or that they only have a very small influence.
And many people say that "Thinspo"[1] or advertising is evil and should be banned because we're creating a generation of women (and also men) with body dysmorphia.
It feels odd to me that people can be so sure that games have no influence yet images of thin women in magazines has such a strong influence.
[1] thinspo style images are banned under quite a few company terms of service.