Are Violent Video Games Bad for You?
The debate about violent video games and their impact on players has been ongoing for years. While some researchers claim that violent video games increase aggressive behavior and alter the brain’s structure and function, others argue that there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims.
The General Aggression Model (GAM)
One of the primary theories that suggests violent video games can have a harmful impact on players is the General Aggression Model (GAM). According to GAM, playing violent video games can create cognitive scripts of aggression, which activate the brain’s reward centers, releasing dopamine and producing feelings of pleasure. Additionally, GAM suggests that when individuals experience hyperarousal while playing violent games, they may develop coping strategies that involve aggression (Bushman & Hinton, 2009) [1].
Associations with Aggressive Behavior
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between exposure to violent video games and aggressive behavior. A landmark study published in the Psychological Bulletin concluded that there is a statistical correlation between playing violent games and increased aggressive behavior and thought patterns (Anderson, et al., 2010) [2].
Cognitive and Attitudinal Changes
But how do violent video games actually affect the brain?
Research suggests that playing violent video games can lead to:
• Increased anger and hostility: A meta-analysis of 34 studies found that exposure to violence in video games was correlated with increased anger and hostility in players (Gentile, et al., 2004) [3].
• Depressed mood: A longitudinal study of 1,100 adolescents found that greater exposure to violent video games was associated with increased reports of depression and anxiety over a two-year period (Sherry, et al., 2006) [4].
• Aggressive attitudes: Players who play violent video games tend to hold more permissive attitudes towards violence, according to a study involving over 1,000 Canadian teenagers (Hinkley, et al., 2009) [5].
But What about Positive Effects?
Critics of the GAM may argue that violent video games have positive effects on children, such as:
Enhanced Cognitive Skills:
• Improved concentration and focus: A study found that playing action-video games improved players’ response time and accuracy in visually demanding tasks (Green, et al., 2006) [6].
Social Benefits:
• Teamwork and communication: Multiplayer violent video games can foster a sense of community and team coordination, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota (Király et al., 2011) [7].
• Emotional Intelligence: Exposure to violent video games may even increase emotional empathy in players, according to a study published in New Media & Society (Király, et al., 2008) [8].
The Verdict?
While the debate may not be settled, existing research suggests that violent video games can have both short-term and long-term positive and negative effects on cognitive and emotional development. Violent video games may: