BBC Explore if Video Games are Actually Bad in New Documentary

This year the PlayStation marks its 20th anniversary meaning that those of us, like myself, born in Generation X (1990's-2000- the children born from the adult baby boomers) have been exposed to video games in someway for all of their lives. Because of this interest has snowballed into the effects of video gaming on gamers, now becoming one of the most controversial topics in psychology.

Many researchers in psychology and communication studies believe that video gaming and playing specific games makes a person aggressive, whereas other researchers have found that game playing can sharpen the mind and have a positive impact on cognition.

As it is now a social norm to have at least one gaming console in a household it is understandable why the area is so heavily researched- as it effects almost every household in the UK and USA. Because of this the BBC have created a documentary showcasing the debate and the research on both sides of the fence, research suggesting gaming causes aggression and research suggesting gaming causes prosocial behaviours and is cognitively beneficial to humans.

Check it out on BBC Iplayer (link below) and let me know what you guys think. Which side of the fence do you sit on? Are there particular games you deem 'better' or 'worse' for people? For yourselves or for your children?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06cjypk/horizon-20142015-19-are-video-games-really-that-bad

Parasocial Relationships

First of all what is a Parasocial Relationship and where do we find them?

Basically, a parasocial relationship is a one-way or non-reciprocal relationship with a character or persona. This is therefore the psychological term given to the attachment of 'fans' to characters or celebrities. These relationships can be formed with television characters, video game characters, literary characters or even real people.

Just about everyone with access to different forms of media have established parasocial relationships; from your favourite children book characters, like Harry Potter to your favourite characters on Netflix originals, obviously Piper Kerman, they all fall under the umbrella term of a parasocial relationship.

The most famous case of parasocial relationships in pop culture is the forming of the fan base the brown coats. These are the avid fans of Firefly, the Joss Whedon television programme cancelled after only one season. These fans petitioned and met regularly at conventions and shin digs in order to raise awareness of the loss of their favourite television show. Ultimately this led to a successful blockbuster film Serenity being made, picking up where the last show left off. This captures just how extreme parasocial relationships can actually become- which is amazing considering they are only enforced by one person. It also showcases the implications of these relationships, as actors jobs were apparent again along with an entire work force used to create a large blockbuster movie.

So now if you're watching TV, reading a novel or comic and think wow! They're my favourite character, well now you know why. You have a strong parasocial relationship with the character in question.

'The Night Gwen Stacy Died' A Novel By Sarah Bruni

I will openly say that this book was nothing like I anticipated. When I first ordered the book I though it would be a novelisation of the comic book arc of the aforementioned name. I presumed that the novel would span over the 24 hour period of the loveable Gwen Satcy, the first love of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and her inevitable death. This was not the case. This book focused on a young woman working in a gas station who meets a boy who identifies himself as Peter Parker and run away together. This novel was so much more than I expected, it surpassed my hopes and has actually become one of my favourite books of all time. With a deep and dark psychological background, hilarious characters and strong allegory to issues of The Amazing Spider-Man. This book was a wonderful roller coaster of emotions.

‘Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories’ Review

“Mad Love is the best Batman story of the decade” – Frank Miller

Keeping with the theme of Batman this week with his 75th anniversary here, this week’s review is the award winning graphic novel that first introduced us to the character that is Harley Quinn. Now a symbol for a female psychopath, or dark sexual icon it should be know that this was not always the same woman: originally she was Dr Harleen Quinzel. An ambitious graduate, with an interest in the human psyche, especially that of Gotham City’s Joker. But even she couldn’t help but fall for his tricks.

It should be noted that there are a few more comic’s in the book, in order to fill it out such as short stories on Poision Ivy, Talia Al Ghul, Catwoman, Roxy and Batgirl. This book is graphic novel is said to be of the dames and demons of Gotham City. However the focus of both the graphic novel and the review are on Mad Love.

In the form of a graphic novel this medium allows us to view the story of Harley Quinn’s lure to the other side of the law,; by use of detailed images, speech and internal monologues. This helps the reader when trying to justify why such a ‘go-getter’ girl like Harleen would risk everything for The Joker. Because for her, it’s simple. It’s love. Mad love.

The origin story begins with a flash back from modern times to Harleen Quinzel’s first day at Arkham Asylum. This is how the origin story is fed to the reader from henceforth, small snippets and flashbacks of her time at Arkham City’s infamous mental asylum (along with a few statements and speech from the current timeline, referring to those days).

The story itself is simple yet so encapsulating that it is a perfect first read for many of you out there who haven’t tried a graphic novel, as of yet. As the story is basically a short tragedy in the form of a comic book, it is very accessible whilst also holds the story on a deeper level with relatable themes of love, anger, confusion and regret. Not only is this a face value comic book, but it is also the first time Harley Quinn is viewed as something other than the crazy lover of The Joker, but as one of his many tragic victims.

Although as a graphic novel, this may put many people off my advice would be to simply give it a try. I believe that the story is worth it if you have an interest in Batman, DC comics, the character of Harley Quinn or even psychology in general. Thus the reason that I have rated this graphic novel a strong 8/10. A simple medium, but highly effective.