Why is it that there are people out there who spend their days trying to prove a correlation between violence in movies/games/online/tv and violent behaviour? You'd think that after almost half a century of TV and still no final conclusion, these researchers would realise that they will never be able to prove anything.

The latest, courtesy of News.com.au, comes from Pediatrics, and was conducted by a group called "Internet Solutions for Kids". Yeah, like they don't have an agenda. They surveyed 1,588 young people aged 10 to 15 years old about their online media habits and predilection towards violent behaviour. The researcher then went on to claim that the interactive nature of the internet could mean that its influence is more powerful than other media... wait, isn't that what critics say about games?

So, even though I'm not a scientist or a professional researcher, I do have a small amount of common sense, (which the people who conduct these studies always seem to lack) and I'm going to use it to explain why every single one of these studies is a waste of time, money and effort and only diverts attention away from the real problems of the world. You ready? Here goes:

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We've had some pretty encouraging ideas on how to put the world's toughest phone through its paces - the washing machine test looks like it's definitely on the cards - but we want more. Seamus and I are planning a big day of wanton destruction, and the more ideas you can come up with, the better.

Tell us what you think in comments, and stay tuned for some mobile destruction here on Giz!

[Help Gizmodo Destroy the Sonim XP1]

The world's toughest phone, the Sonim XP1, is now available in Australia through Crazy Johns. But rather than bore you with specifications and tiresome statistics on just how tough it is, Sonim has (foolishly?) agreed to let us show you by letting us attempt to destroy it.

So, I'm partnering up with ex-Giz ed (and current Kotaku guest-ed) Seamus for a fun-filled day of attempted mobile phone destruction. And while we both have some rather creative ideas on the best way to introduce the phone to our friend pain, we want your help.

Let us know in comments how you think we should try and annihilate this thing. keep it realistic - we don't have access to the LHC at the moment remember. The best ideas will be attempted, and we'll video the whole thing and upload it next week.

And for those of you who are interested in the figures, the press release for the XP1 is below:

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When the much-hyped Esquire E-Ink cover finally shipped to newsstands a few weeks ago, we were kind of underwhelmed. Using conventional methods, the sectioned panel isn't really hackable in any meaningful way, so Phone Losers took a more proactive approach: violence.

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Last Friday, we posted a public bus surveillance video that captured a barbarous attack on a man "for his iPhone." Since then, MacBlogz has spoken with the unnamed victim. And—no huge surprise here—he felt that the robber was going more for blood than his popular Apple product.

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As reported from an NBC affiliate, this surveillance video (from May 21st) has just been released that depicts a particularly vicious attack on a Columbus, OH, bus--all to acquire an iPhone. A hooded teen lunges at a man who was wearing headphones on his way off the bus. No one did anything to stop the attack (not that you can blame a woman with child for not stepping in). Surprisingly, despite sustaining injury from blows to the face and body, the passenger did not lose his iPhone. Anyone with info on the teen is asked to call 614-645-8477. [WCMH via Macblogz]

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Here's a design concept by Jin-Sook Kim lets you take out your frustrations while attempting to illuminate your environment. That's because this Punch the !ighting device makes you beat the shit out of it before it'll give up even the slightest bit of light. It must be a satisfying feeling, though, to see an actual positive result of violence, a rare occurrence. Take the jump for a close-up action shot.

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You have to have a certain special kind of fetish to enjoy watching German ladies in bikinis destroy gadgets with a scowl on their face, but if anyone fits the bill, we're sure they're in our readership. These sets of videos belong to Bikinirama, three German ladies that enjoy swimwear and destroying electronics equally. The video above shows them demolishing a PowerBook, but there's monitors, CD players and record players as well. No ball breaking, but that's probably more of a hobby than something they need to be paid for. – Jason Chen Bikinirama [via Fake Steve via Wired]

It's been a month since our last entry in PlayStation 3 Melee Watch, but this most recent instance involves Katanas. Apparently, some home invasionist came knocking on a door in search of a PlayStation 3 (Blu-ray fanatic?), but met with Damien Fernandez and his Katana. After jumping out of bed and stabbing the intruder in the chest, the two of them ran out of the house, into the street, with Damien chasing after him with the sword. Everything ended peacefully when a K-9 officer found the burglar hiding in a palm tree. – Jason Chen Teen Scares Off Burglar With Samurai Sword [Local10]

Just when we thought PlayStation Violence was almost at an end, a student at Cal State Fresno shot three other students over an argument about a PlayStation. The model of the PlayStation wasn't specified, but we're going to assume that it wasn't over a PS2 or a PS1.

Long story short, it seems the person who did the shooting acted in self defense when four men came to his apartment at night—one of which died from his injures. – Jason Chen

Criminology major held in PlayStation death [SFGate]