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ReimTime on 26 March 2015
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*edit* I have to leave to go get some errands done, but I wil return in a few hours to answer anyone's questions etc

DISCLAIMER: This is a discussion based thread; meaning this OP will have a variety of info that serves to generate discussion and not necessarily state an opinion. I will include info from several different sources that stand on both sides of the fence. The general topic of the discussion thread is violence in video games; so any sub topics that you want to bring up in the thread (aggressive behavior in adolescents, the ERSB, effects on at risk youth, modeling behavior after video game characters etc) are welcome and encouraged. If you have peer reviewed sources you would like added to the OP, please feel free to say so. All right, here goes.

Violence in Video Games

This is a hot topic nowadays. I see a lot of misinformation in the media ("who care if this mass murderer had mental problems; he played GTA!") and anecdotal evidence in the forums ("well I turned out allright and I played GTA as a kid") about what kind of effect violent video games has on people. I decided that it would be a good thread idea, so here we are! Here are some example questions I would like to see answered.

  • Does playing violent video games cause an increase in aggressive behavior in adolescents?
  • Do adolescents strongly model themselves after characters in video games? Does the adolescent brain strongly identify with violent characters?
  • What effect does the increasing realism of video games have on the desensitization of real life violence?
  • What effect does violence in video games have on at risk youth (depression/anxiety etc)?
  • Is this an issue to contemporary society, or are we completely wrong about exposing youth to M rated games?

Some peer reviewed sources that relate to the topic:

  • Barlett, C.P., & Rodeheffer, C. (2009) Effects of realism on extended violent and nonviolent video game play on aggressive thoughts, feelings, and physiological arousal. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19280624

Abstract: The results showed that, though playing any violent game stimulated aggressive thoughts, playing a more realistic violent game stimulated significantly more aggressive feelings and arousal over the course of play.

Abstract: Our results did not support the hypothesis that children with elevated mental health symptoms constitute a “vulnerable” population for video game violence effects

Abstract: Cross-sectional results at T1 showed a direct relationship between violent game usage and aggressive norms, and an indirect link to hostile attribution bias through aggressive norms. In combination, exposure to game violence, normative beliefs, and hostile attribution bias predicted physical and indirect/relational aggression. Longitudinal analyses using path analysis showed that violence exposure at T1 predicted physical (but not indirect/relational) aggression 30 months later, whereas aggression at T1 was unrelated to later video game use. Exposure to violent games at T1 influenced physical (but not indirect/relational) aggression at T2 via an increase of aggressive norms and hostile attribution bias.

  • Konijin, E. Bijvank, M. N., & Bushman, B. J. (2007) I Wish I Were a Warrior: The Role of Wishful Identification in the Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression in Adolescent Boys. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17605534

Abstract: These results show that identifying with violent video game characters makes players more aggressive. Players were especially likely to identify with violent characters in realistic games and with games they felt immersed in.

 

I tried to include the full online PDF when possible. I'm eager to see what everyone has to say on the matter! Please remember to be civil.

Anything you have to say that relates to violence in video games is welcome and encouraged!

I will at a poll later on if I can think of a good question to ask



#1 Amb-ass-ador