How Violent Video Games Affect Brain Reactivity and Behavior

The Link Between Violent Games and Desensitization to Violence

A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology provides compelling evidence that violent video games:
- Reduce players' emotional responses to real-world violence
- Increase aggressive behavior in daily life
- Cause long-term desensitization effects

Key Findings from the University of Missouri Study

Researchers conducted controlled experiments with 70 young adults, comparing effects of:

Violent games tested:
- Call of Duty
- Hitman
- Killzone
- Grand Theft Auto

Non-violent games tested:
- Jak and Daxter
- MVP Baseball 2004
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
- Sonic Plus Mega Collection

Immediate Effects Observed:

• 25 minutes of violent gameplay significantly reduced brain reactivity to violent images
• Measured through EEG recordings of neural responses
• Players showed diminished "aversive motivation" response to violence

Long-Term Effects Discovered:

• Regular violent game players showed consistently low brain reactivity regardless of which game they played in the study
• This suggests chronic desensitization develops over time

Behavioral Consequences of Video Game Violence

The study included a behavioral test where participants could:
- Administer painful sound blasts to opponents
- Those exposed to violent games (in study or real life) inflicted more pain
- The less brain reactivity to violence, the more aggression shown

Unanswered Questions About Violence Desensitization

1. Can desensitization be reversed?

   • Early research suggests compassion meditation may help
   • One study showed increased emotional response to distressing sounds after meditation

2. Do people want to be desensitized?

   • Reduced emotional response can serve as a coping mechanism
   • Helps people function in a violent world
   • May explain resistance to changing gaming habits

The Bottom Line on Violent Video Game Effects

This research adds to growing evidence that:
- Violent video games have measurable neurological effects
- Both short-term and long-term desensitization occurs
- Behavioral changes include increased aggression

While questions remain about reversibility and societal implications, the findings suggest parents and players should be aware of these psychological impacts.