After a devastating attack left almost 100 people injured in an Indonesian school, the country’s president is now mulling over the idea of “restricting online games” because they allegedly make “violence a normal thing.”
According to a Bloomberg report, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered his cabinet to look into what the restrictions would look like following a police investigation into the violent attack. Subianto didn’t clarify what restrictions he and his team had in mind. However, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said they’re looking at Krafton Inc.’s battle royale shooter PUBG, which is immensely popular in Indonesia.
“We’re thinking about restrictions because, in these games, there [are] many different kinds of weapons,” Hadi said. “It’s easy to learn. And, psychologically, it makes violence a normal thing.”
This is a very important topic, and it’s crucial to consider how video games might influence behavior, especially after such a tragic event. It’s understandable that Indonesia is looking at ways to enhance safety and protect students. Balancing entertainment and safety is always a challenging issue.
Absolutely, the relationship between video games and behavior is complex. It’s interesting to note that while some studies suggest a link between violent video games and aggression, others highlight that many players engage with games purely for entertainment and social interaction. Balancing restrictions while promoting healthy gaming habits could be key.
that many studies suggest that while video games can influence behavior, they often reflect underlying societal issues rather than cause them. It’s crucial to consider broader factors, such as mental health support and community engagement, when addressing violence.