Final answer:
While the author believes in the beneficial effects of video games, he presents a mixed argument by juxtaposing studies with varying conclusions on the influence of violent video games on aggression, suggesting complexity in the correlation versus causation debate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of the article posited that video games have beneficial effects, but the effectiveness of the argument is mixed. The author references studies and meta-analyses indicating both an increase in aggressive tendencies from video game play and conclusions that find "scant evidence" of games causing physical violence or criminal behavior. This juxtaposition of viewpoints allows readers to see that the correlation between violent video games and violence may not imply causation, and violence in the gaming context doesn't directly translate to real-world violence. Although the author quotes the American Psychological Association to mention potential negative effects, the underlying tone suggests that the author may be skeptical about the strength of the link between video game violence and real-world aggression, implying that there is an overstated fear about the role of games in promoting violence.