I definitely believe it DOES influence kids in a bad way. Girls, probably not. Boys, for many, probably yes. I for one *hate* violent video games. I play them like once in a few months when my brother insists that I play against him, but I hate it. I don't like such games. I'm not the kind of person that likes to see violence and even if its *just a game* I don't like it. It does NOT influence me at all, but I do believe violent videogames have a very bad affect on the minds of certain young people. It cannot be the specific cause, but I'm sure it plays a big role in it. They have games nowadays in which you have to be a robber, or a criminal, and I really hate those games. Even though they are rated M or even 21 +, I know 12 year olds, 10 year olds that play them. In my opinion, violent video games play a major role in corruption in today's society. It defintely doesn't influence all people, but I believe it can have a bad effect on the minds of *many* wierd minded people. I'd rather stick to the racing, building, tycoon type of games. JMHO