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The Social-Psychological Impact of Video Games

For decades, researchers have been lobbing studies back and forth in an attempt to either substantiate or debunk the connection between exposure to violent video games, and an increase in aggressive behavior. The good news is that there are hundreds of studies and a few good books on this topic. The bad news is that there has yet to be found a peer recognized consensus on the issue. Some researchers have repeatedly found that violent video game exposure increases aggressive thoughts and behavior, simulates biological states of sadistic arousal, and reduces altruistic behavior among players. (1) Other credible researchers have failed to find any such link. (2) These conflicting findings are further complicated by post-study analysis, on both sides of the issue, which questions the interrelated influence of the psychological predisposition, family values and social dynamics pertaining to the individual gamer.

In our frustrated search for truth, we initially prepared a multi-paged list of the more credible studies, suggested a few books and left the ultimate conclusion in your hands. But then it hit me like a shoulder fired missile launched by a ten year old video gamer…The Answer Is:

If you have a loving, supportive, communicative relationship with your child, and you use the gift of that rapport to consistently convey your family’s values, to promote a respect for human life and to instill a sensitivity to the feelings of others, no amount of violent video games is going to overpower you. Having reviewed far too many studies on the subject, I can assure you that this conclusion has not been disputed.

On the other hand, if your child has exhibited violent tendencies, if they have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, if they are fighting depression, struggling with life stresses (divorce, death, bullying) or if you do not have the time to counterbalance the fantasy world that video games immerse them in, the wise move is to carefully limit their exposure.

In a final word of caution, it is important for us to note that a gamer’s participation in violent video games is no longer one dimensional. The new gaming environment connects him or her to a very real, and live, culture of on-line gamers, all of whom are engaged in group combat and many of whom express pleasure at the gory accomplishments. The newest research is examining the effect that this socialization may have upon a growing child’s value system.

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1. Anderson, C.A., Gentile, D.A., Buckley, K.E. (2007). Violent Video Game Effects on Children and Adolescents: Theory, Research, and Public Policy. Oxford University Press.
Anderson, C.A., & Ford, C.M. (1986). Affect of the game player: Short-term consequences of playing aggressive video games . Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 12, 390-402. (etc.)
2. Olsen, Cheryl & Kutner , Lawrence. Grand Theft Childhood: The surprising truth about violent video games. Simon & Schuster; NY, NY; 2008. (etc.)