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Exposure to violent video games increases automatic aggressiveness
1Department of Psychology, Yale University; 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. eric.uhlmann@yale.edu
Journal of Adolescence
|March 12, 2004
Summary
Playing violent video games like Doom can automatically link players to aggressive traits. Prior exposure to these games predicts an aggressive self-concept, suggesting learned aggressive self-views.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the psychological impact of violent video game exposure.
- Understanding how these games influence self-perception is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of violent video game exposure on automatic self-associations.
- To determine if playing violent video games influences self-concept.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 121 students participated.
- Participants played the violent video game Doom.
- Automatic associations with the self were measured using the Implicit Association Test (IAT).
- Self-reported aggression and prior violent video game exposure were assessed.
Main Results:
- Playing Doom resulted in participants associating themselves with aggressive traits and actions on the IAT.
- Self-reported exposure to violent video games was a significant predictor of automatic aggressive self-concept.
- This prediction held true even when controlling for self-reported aggression.
Conclusions:
- Violent video game exposure can lead to the automatic learning of aggressive self-views.
- These findings suggest a direct impact of gameplay on cognitive self-perceptions.
- The study highlights a potential mechanism through which violent media may shape identity.