The effect of violent video games on aggressive behavior
Introduction:
Although playing violent video games may not necessarily
determine violent or aggressive behavior, it may increase
precursors to violent behavior. In fact, Dr. Olson points out that
violent video games may be related to bullying, which researchers
have found to be a risk factor for more serious violent behavior.
Therefore, video game playing may have an indirect effect on
violent behavior by increasing risk factors for it. Doug Gentile
notes that the only way for violent video games to affect serious
criminal violence statistics is if they were the primary predictor of
crime, which they may not be. Rather, they represent one risk
factor among many for aggression
Studies support a link between violent video games and
aggressive behavior
Researchers have reported experimental evidence linking violent
video games to more aggressive behavior, particularly as it
relates to children who are at more sensitive stages in their
socialization. These effects have been found to be particularly
profound in the case of child-initiated virtual violence.
In their book, Violent Video Game Effects on Children and
Adolescents, Anderson, Gentile, and Buckley provide an in
depth analysis of three recent studies they conducted
comparing the effects of interactive (video games) versus
passive (television and movies) media violence on aggression
and violence.
o In one study, 161 9- to 12-year olds and 354 college
students were randomly assigned to play either a violent or
nonviolent video game. The participants subsequently
played another computer game in which they set
punishment levels to be delivered to another person
participating in the study (they were not actually
administered). Information was also gathered on each
participant’s recent history of violent behavior; habitual video
game, television, and move habits, and several other control
variables.
In a third study, Anderson et al. conducted a longitudinal study of
elementary school students to examine if violent video game
exposure resulted in increases in aggressive behavior over time.
Surveys were given to 430 third, fourth, and fifth graders, their
peers, and their teachers at two times during a school year. The
survey assessed both media habits and their attitudes about
violence. Results indicated that children who played more violent
video games early in a school year changed to see the world in a
more aggressive way and also changed to become more verbally
and physically aggressive later in the school year.
Violent video games provide a forum for learning and practicing
aggressive solutions to conflict situations," said Dr. Anderson. "In
the short run, playing a violent video game appears to affect
aggression by priming aggressive thoughts. Longer-term effects
are likely to be longer lasting as well, as the player learns and
practices new aggression-related scripts that can become more
and more accessible for use when real-life conflict situations
arise."
Article:
"Video Games and Aggressive Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior
in the Laboratory and in Life," Craig A. Anderson, PhD, Iowa
State University of Science and Technology and Karen E. Dill,
PhD, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, Vol. 78, No. 4.
In this study, we investigated the extent to which adolescents who
spend time playing violent video games exhibit higher levels of
aggressive behaviour when compared with those who do not. A
large sample of British adolescent participants (n = 1004) aged 14
and 15 years and an equal number of their carers were
interviewed. Young people provided reports of their recent gaming
experiences.
There is a good reason to believe that violent video game
engagement might be associated with human aggression, though
this idea is a controversial one [23]. To date, the main theoretical
framework used to study the links between violent game
engagement and aggression has been the general aggression
model
Nearly all young people in the developed world now play
video games [1,2], and this popularity has driven concerns
about the possible negative effects of this recreational activity.
Studies polling members of the general public [3–5] as well as
scientists [6,7] suggest views concerning the effects of gaming
on young people vary widely as a function of demographics
and personal experiences with games.
Violence is a form of aggression, but not all aggressive
behaviors are violent. Very few studies have looked at whether
playing violent video games increases the chances of later
delinquency, criminal behavior, or lethal violence. Such studies
are difficult to conduct, and require very large numbers of
children. It makes sense that since playing violent video games
tends to increase the level of aggressive behavior it would also
results in more lethal violence or other criminal behaviors, but
there is no clear evidence to support that assumption.
Conclusion
It is important to keep in mind that violent video game exposure is
only one risk factor of aggressive behavior. For example, mental
illness, adverse environments, and access to guns are all risk
factors of aggression and violence. Violence is a form of
aggression, but not all aggressive behaviors are violent. Very few
studies have looked at whether playing violent video games
increases the chances of later delinquency, criminal behavior.
