we assume this needs to be spoilered

to get it out of the way:

libertarian-alert libertarian-alert libertarian-alert

so like, the argument we hear is that watching it supposedly makes ppl more likely to start watching real material (which is made by harming and exploiting children, and is obvsly bad because of that) or harming kids irl. supposedly there are studies that point to that being the case, and other studies that point to that not being the case. personally we dont rly buy that, because it just sounds like the same exact argument ppl used/use to say that “violent video games” or BDSM or whatever would do the same, or even like the old “weed is a gateway drug” stuff that also had a number of (extremely flawed) studies to “prove” it. what exactly makes this different from any of that other than just feeling more yucky and “wrong”? are there other arguments, are we missing something?

we dont personally watch that stuff tbc (tho if u already think were a filthy pedophile for even asking all of this theres no way were gonna get u to change ur mind lbr) but we dont want to base our feelings on this on just “that feels gross therefore its bad”, we all know where that logic leads, and were struggling to come up with a legitimate reason

Edit: ty for the replies everyone doggirl-thumbsup

  • AssortedBiscuits [they/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
    151·
    9 days ago

    it just sounds like the same exact argument ppl used/use to say that “violent video games” or BDSM or whatever would do the same, or even like the old “weed is a gateway drug” stuff that also had a number of (extremely flawed) studies to “prove” it. what exactly makes this different from any of that other than just feeling more yucky and “wrong”? are there other arguments, are we missing something?

    Videogames absolutely do cause violence. Anyone who has played Mario Kart or any other couch co-op can attest to this. I’ve heard stories of people having knives pulled on them in arcades because they won one too many matches.

    This leads to two observations:

    1. The mechanism in which games causes real-life violence is not related to the particular aesthetics or setting of the game but is still absolutely determined by the game’s design and mechanics.

    2. Those studies are completely focusing on the wrong target which shows unfamiliarity with games and g*mers.

    Overall, I think it’s naive to think that art doesn’t affect people consuming the art. Otherwise, you’re basically saying that art is pointless in influencing the real world which is obviously untrue even if some people overstate its ability to influence the world.