[Shaun]

Whilst I don't think that playing violent games perhaps encourages youths to become more violent - you can't just say that it's a coincedence that youth crime has been more prominent with the rise of violent computer games, films, musical lyrics...

In general I think popular culture, and games such as Grand Theft Auto or Manhunt, has made way for a harsher environment; nothing shocks people any more. It's no longer seen as horrifying if there's a swear word said on TV, or a breast flashed, or someone to have a fistfight... I think that society has just changed over time to become more adapted and used to violence and violence in the media.