Game Podunk writes to debunk the top 10 stereotypes and myths linked with gamers of today from society and media and why video gamer players should have a stronger stand on forming own social identities.

Here are some common myths about gamers debunked:

1. Video games are increasing youth violence: This is one of the most common gamer myths out there. Those who dislike games as well as those who don’t understand them will often criticize them and falsely blame games for an increase in youth violence. This is a common myth about video games but when we look at the statistics, it just doesn’t make any sense at all. Over the last 30 years, the video game industry has grown exponentially with a great number of systems and games available. Stats also show that the rate of juvenile crime has declined in those 30 years.

2. Video games are for kids only (or mainly for kids): Another common myth about games is that they are merely “child’s play” and that a mature adult will give up such silliness and leave the games to the children. Not only is this untrue, but it is also the source of great controversy over games since many are created with adults in mind and contain content that would not be suitable for a young person. As long as the general public continues to believe that games are meant only for children, there will always be complaints and controversy surrounding mature and adult content video games.

3. Scientists have linked violent game play with aggression in youth: This ties in with number one. Did you know that 92% of statistics are made up? Actually, that was made up. Those same video game haters who want you to believe that games are causing youth violence will claim that “scientists have proven it” in this study or that study. They rarely, if ever, have any real evidence to back up these claims, yet the rumors spread like wildflowers.

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