Comments on “Under the influence”

I wonder about Lachlan’s objectivity. He bases his study on a theory that claims “people are likely to imitate characters who resemble themselves.” When the following research shows that, based on this theory, video games are unlikely to drive children to violence, he explains it away with a more or less opposing theory: “On the other hand, he notes, social cognitive theory holds that behavioral models are not just those who resemble us, but also those whom we aspire to be.”

It may simply be the way the article is written, but Lachlan sure seems like he’s looking for a particular result in his research — namely one that would prove the supposed danger of video games.

Kudos to his theory on the antisocial nature of vehicular manslaughter, though.