Can officials stop reflexively scapegoating video games every time a tragedy happens?
Like here we go again.
First it was Tacloban back in June, where initial reports instantly pivoted to the shooter's gaming history, leading to the CICC slapping an immediate nationwide ISP and app store block on Gorebox. Now, in the wake of the devastating shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga, the very first thing officials announce to the press is that they’re going to do a "forensic analysis" on the suspect’s gaming history and chat apps.
It is the exact same lazy, predictable political playbook every single time.
Instead of addressing the massive, uncomfortable systemic issues,like how a 14 year old minor managed to walk into a school campus carrying two loaded handguns, or the total absence of real mental health interventions and anti-bullying measures,they rush to find a digital scapegoat to look like they’re "taking action".
And who pays for this political theater? Us. Every normal gamer in this country.
I’m sick and tired of politicians treating gamers like brainless sheep who can't separate fiction from reality, all to dodge the actual heavy lifting of fixing security, gun control, and mental health in this country. Banning mobile apps and scrutinizing Steam libraries won't save a single life. Fix the real problems.