RJA #2b: Research Topic

The psychological effects of multimedia on children has been an issue of debate for quite some time now. Most notably would be the argument of whether or not violent video games fueled the violence behind the shootings at Columbine High School. I chose to research this topic because when such horrible things happen there is an immediate need to find a scapegoat, because the thought of a child carrying out such an act is incomprehensible. However, when we are looking for a driving force of such actions we tend to look at other actions which are similar. This seems logical, but can we really place the blame on video games, or do we have to look deeper into the psychological workings of a developing mind.

According to the news, the shootings at Columbine were conducted by two young men that were avid players of a violent video game. However these same two kids were also outsiders in their school, often heckled by the more "popular" kids. In addition there is a video of them posing with and firing assault rifles, which brings up the question, "Where are the parents?" There seems to be more to our children's psychological workings then what seems the most obvious. I believe that in the whole array of influences in a child's life that video games itself is a very minor factor.

Aside from the information portrayed in the main stream media, there is not a whole lot that I know on this subject. According to the media violent video games can influence children to commit violent acts. However, if a child can be individually influenced by a game, why are there not harsher restrictions on them. These conclusions sparked my interest into looking deeper into the subject. What other outside sources can contribute to the violent behavior of our youth, could it be parenting, society itself, these unknowns to me are my driving force into delving deeper into the psychological mind frame of a child.

RJA #2a: Possible Topics

Some of the possible topics that I am considering to research are as follows:

• The psychological effects of multimedia in children
• The link between advancing technology and increasing obesity
• Increase of juvenile delinquency and decrease of "family time"
• The acceptance of unethical behavior by professional athletes
• Robotics replacing manual laborers

The topic that I am favoring at the moment is the psychological effects of multimedia in children, which I will narrow down into not such a broad topic when I begin researching.

RJA #1: Areas of Academic Interest

Areas of scholarly and academic interests:

-Electronics (advancement of technology)
-Psychological effects of multimedia in children
-Downfall of ethics in professional sports
-Technology and the physical effects on society
-Military tactics