Violent Video Games and Aggression

Lauren Goldbeck and Alex Pew, National Center for Health Research
After mass shootings, the media and public officials often question the role of the shooter’s video game
habits.

The American Psychological Association (APA) considers violent video games a risk factor for aggression.
[1] In 2017, the APA Task Force on Violent Media concluded that violent video game exposure was linked
to increased aggressive behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, as well as decreased empathy. However, it is
not clear whether violent video game exposure was linked to criminality or delinquency.

Do Violent Video Games Increase Aggression?

Studies have shown that playing violent video games can increase aggressive thoughts, behaviors, and
feelings in both the short-term and long-term.[2] Violent video games can also desensitize people to
seeing aggressive behavior and decrease prosocial behaviors such as helping another person and feeling
empathy (the ability to understand others). The longer that individuals are exposed to violent video
games, the more likely they are to have aggressive behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. These effects have
been seen in studies in both Eastern and Western countries. Although males spend more time than
females playing violent video games, violent video game exposure can increase aggressive thoughts,
behaviors, and feelings in both sexes.

Aggressive behavior is measured by scientists in a number of ways. Some studies looked at self-reports
of hitting or pushing, and some looked at peer or teacher ratings on aggressive behaviors. Other studies
looked at how likely an individual was to subject others to an unpleasant exposure to hot sauce or a loud
noise after playing violent video games.

Unfortunately, few studies have been completed on violent video game exposure and aggression in
children under age 10. There is also little information about the impact of violent video game exposure
on minority children.

There have not been many studies on the effects of different characteristics of video games, such as
perspective or plot. However, some studies have found that competition among players in video games is
a better predictor of aggressive behavior than is the level of violence.[3]

Do Violent Video Games Increase 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, 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.

Policy

In the aftermath of the Parkland shooting in Florida in 2018, policymakers are again questioning the
influence of violent video games. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) affirms that their
rating system is effective, but the APA Task Force on Violent Media recommends that the ESRB revise
their rating system to make the level of violence clearer. The Task Force also recommends that further
research must be done using delinquency, violence, and criminal behavior as outcomes to determine
whether or not violent video games are linked to violence.

Bottom Line

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.

All articles are reviewed and approved by Dr. Diana Zuckerman and other senior staff.