Violent Video Games Linked to School Attacks in Turkey; Experts Warn of Normalizing Violence

The recent school attacks in Şanlıurfa Siverek and Kahramanmaraş, perpetrated by individuals deeply immersed in violent video games like PUBG, have brought the dangers of digital gaming to the forefront of public discourse in Turkey. Sabah's reporting highlights the alarming connection between these games and real-world violence, a concern that resonates deeply within our society.

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War games prepare the ground for such incidents. Young people exposed to these games for long hours normalize violence. Death becomes a point system for them.

Child and Adolescent Psychologist Serhat Çıkman points out a disturbing trend: "War games prepare the ground for such incidents. Young people exposed to these games for long hours normalize violence. Death becomes a point system for them." This observation is particularly chilling, suggesting a psychological shift where virtual brutality bleeds into reality. Çıkman further notes that the attackers' choice of attire, including gloves and backpacks, and the presence of weapons, are not coincidental but indicate a planned transition from the game world to action.

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Gloves, backpacks, and weapons are not coincidental. This indicates the transition phase and a planned process.

Psychologist Kerem Gümüş adds another layer to this concern, explaining that the 'respawn' mechanic in games can blur the lines between virtual and real life for some children. While not the sole cause, this can exacerbate existing psychological vulnerabilities. Professor Dr. Yağmur Küçükbezirci emphasizes the pervasive nature of violence in Turkish media, including TV shows, films, and games, stating, "There is constant violence, shooting people, and the impression that nothing happens in return." This constant exposure, she warns, can easily influence children and adolescents.

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The reversibility of death in games can cause the line between real life and the virtual world to blur for some children. This is not the sole cause, but it can feed risky psychological processes.

From a Turkish perspective, these incidents are not just isolated events but symptoms of a broader societal issue. While Western media might focus on the individual psychology of the perpetrators, we in Turkey are acutely aware of the cultural context. The normalization of violence in entertainment, coupled with the addictive nature of certain games, creates a potent mix. The reporting in Sabah serves as a crucial public service announcement, urging parents and educators to be vigilant and highlighting the need for greater awareness and potentially regulation regarding violent digital content. The emphasis on the 'plan' behind the attacks, as noted by Çıkman, is particularly concerning, suggesting that these are not impulsive acts but potentially premeditated ones fueled by virtual experiences.

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There is constant violence, shooting people, and the impression that nothing happens in return in our series, films, and computer games. Children and young people can be quickly affected by this.