Quick Poll Results

SmartGirls submit their questions, and we post them! Here are some of the results.

Method:

We posted the following poll on SmartGirl.org:

Quick Poll: Do you play any violent videogames?

122 SmartGirls Responded.

Results:

This chart shows how SmartGirls voted in the poll:

How do you relate to MOST other girls your age? It's easy to get along with other girls: 25; We're always getting into fights: 3; I don't talk to other girls that much: 21; We've got our ups and downs: 37

First of all, way more SmartGirls play videogames than not, with 7 out of 10 SmartGirls admitting they play videogames. Of the SmartGirls who do play videogames, more SmartGirls are okay with at least some videogame violence than those who don't like any violence at all: 2 out of 3 are okay with at least some videogame violence. Still, there are about an equal number of SmartGirls who like videogames with any level of violence and SmartGirls who won't play a game with any violence at all. Do you play games with violence in them?

Here's what some SmartGirls had to say about why they do or don't play violent videogames:

Yes! I like them:

Because I am in love
They're fun and heart-racing
Because they're awesome
They let us take out our aggression safely
Because they're really fun!
'Cause they're fun
They're exciting!
'Cause I got a dad. I hang with him, so I love violent videogames like Halo. I love Gears of War more than any other.
I'm kool like dhat.
Haha, I'm a girly tomboy that is an only girl with four brothers and a boy dog, LOL! They certainly love Call of Duty and Halo. Although it really hurts my eyes, I love the pink suits in Halo and the Gelato walls on Call of Duty, haha! [:
Can't kill in real life, so I'll mess you up on a game!
Because it's fun
They are fun
I think they are really fun and hilarious
They are awesome and funny
It's not that I like them, but sometimes I play with friends
I think it's a fun competitive thing to do during downtime that is not actually violent.
'Cause it's fun, duhh!
...'cause.
Because they are life-like.
Why not?
Relaxing
They're funny!
'Cause they are fun and relieve stress.

Yes, but not realistic violence:

I think it's fun if you're angry at someone! It helps you feel better :)
Because I don't really care as long as it's fun.
It's fun.
Eww! I hate blood and gore! I don't mind fantasy violence-type videogames like Super Smash Bros Melee/Brawl. :)
I love to learn new things.
Because it's fun sometimes.
They're fun.
Because I think they're fun.
Because sometimes it can just be fun when I play with a bunch of boys (;
'Cause I hardly play them
Because it's just for fun
Because it's not too violent

Nope, only non-violent games:

Because I am not upset too easily
They're not my type. I don't like it when people die or kill others. I rather prefer sports or reality-show type videogames.
Violent games do not appeal to me
Because I like them better.
Because my mom doesn't let me play violent ones
Because even though I don't condone violence in reality, playing violent videogames will "numb" my mind to the reality of violence. In other words, I won't care as much anymore.
They're crap
Don't interest me
They are violent, and violence isn't good.
My mom says little kids will pick up the habit.
Violence is disgusting.
Because they're scary to me.
Because I do not like violent games
Becacuse I'd rather research history!
I only like romance games :D
They are dumb
Because violence isn't funny in my opinion.
They are not healthy
I don't like it

No, I don't play videogames at all!

'Cause
Because they're stupid?
I don't like videogames.
Because I have better things to do with my life!
I think they're stupid and boring.
Because I think it is for boys.
I hate it
Because they're violent
I don't like them
I don't waste my time doing that
Don't have time
They are a waste of time
I don't have games
'Cause I'm a girl
Not entertaining
For children
Because it has no interest to me
It keeps me inside too long... like the computer does
Boring

Discussion:

Do you think violence in videogames has any relationship to violence in real life? Do you think people who like violent videogames are more likely to like videogames in general? Should people who don't like violent videogames be able to make other people turn them off? When is a good time to play a violent videogame? If you don't play violent videogames, do you watch violent TV? Do you think people who play violent videogames are more or less likely to swear?

Please respond to the results, the reasons for the votes, or our discussion questions below: