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

Can desensitization be reversed?
- Early research suggests compassion meditation may help
- One study showed increased emotional response to distressing sounds after meditation
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.

Articles tagged "aggression-studies"

Articles tagged "aggression-studies"

Violent Video Games & Desensitization: Research Findings