As part of a week-long series on gun violence and related issues, PBS NewsHour explores concerns about connections, or lack of, between violent video games and violent behavior tonight (Tuesday, February 19, 2013).
In the report, PBS NewsHour Senior Correspondent and Anchor Jeffrey Brown speaks with scientists who have studied the issue and come to different conclusions.
Psychologist Brad Bushman and public health expert Cheryl Olson weigh in on the impact of violent video games on behavior in this preview from tonight's PBS NewsHour.
Brown also plays Call of Duty: Black Ops II with Stephen Totilo, executive editor of Kotaku, who says many critics are not adequately informed because they only watch video games. “I encourage anybody who criticizes violent video games to try one,” said Totilo. “The experience of playing it is very different than that of watching it.”
The week-long series is part of PBS’ “After Newtown” initiative, a series of documentaries, news reports and public affairs programs that provides thought-provoking context to the national conversation about gun violence in America. PBS has brought together its science, documentary and public affairs programs to provide in-depth reporting on the myriad issues related to gun violence, including gun laws, mental health support and availability, and school safety.