What the Experts Say

"[F]ilms and video games not only teach children about violence, but also how to be violent" (Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. -- Professor of Education at the University of Miami and author of Children and Hyperreality: The Loss of the Real Contemporary Childhood).

"[Video games] are murder simulators which over time, teach a person how to look another person in the eye and snuff their life out" (Lieutenant Colonel David Grossman -- former Professor of Psychology at West Point).

"Video gaming produces brain waves that are the opposite of what is desirable for healthy fuctioning....[V]ideo gaming is actually 'neurofeedback therapy' that produce negative results" (Ron J. Swatzyna, Ph.D., L.C.S.W. -- psychotherapist for the Tarnow Center for Self-Management; Clinically Certified Forensic Counselor and Certified Anger Resolution Therapist).

"Thrilling video games create disruptive patterns. Through much repetition, those changes become deeply embedded in the brain" (Ron J. Swatzyna).

"Even the most ardent defenders of gaming culture...have to admit that video games have an addictive power....You sit down to play Halo after dinner for a few minutes, and the next thing you know, it's midnight" (Steven Johnson -- author of Everything Bad is Good for You).

"Yes, you can get addicted" (Charlene Wilson -- mother of video game addict).

"Every person has the potential to become an addict" (Michael Loos -- Associate Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Wyoming).

"Video game addiction is similar to gambling addiction" (Michael Loos).

"[Video] games can be both habit-forming and addictive, and stopping may bring on some of the same withdrawal symptoms as quiting smoking, drinking, drugs, or alcohol" (British Psychological Society).

"As Gameboy, or another video game device, becomes an obsession, then an addiction, the child becomes increasingly inert" (C. Ellis Fisher -- pediatrician of Gastonia, N.C.).

"Because of media fed concern/hysteria over child abduction, many of today's parents would rather their kids stay in the house watching TV or playing video games" (C. Ellis Fisher).

"We have developed into a society that relies on fast food, a poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle" (Whataburger -- regional fast food restaurant that specializes in burgers).

"[Kids are] playing video games -- they're getting obese, and they're not getting outside" (Shane Mize -- area chief of Texas Parks and Wildlife).