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Does playing violent video games cause aggression? A longitudinal intervention study
Simone Kühn1,2, Dimitrij Tycho Kugler3, Katharina Schmalen4
1Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for Lifespan Psychology, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany. skuehn@uke.de.
Molecular Psychiatry
|March 15, 2018
Summary
Long-term violent video gameplay did not significantly impact aggression, pro-social behavior, or cognitive functions in adults. This study provides evidence against negative effects associated with violent video games.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding violent video games' negative effects on aggression and pro-social behavior.
- Previous research focused on short-term impacts, potentially due to priming effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of violent video gameplay on various psychological and cognitive measures.
- To compare outcomes between violent game players, non-violent game players, and a control group.
Main Methods:
- A 2-month daily gameplay intervention using Grand Theft Auto V (violent), The Sims 3 (non-violent), or no game.
- Utilized a large battery of tests including questionnaires, behavioral measures, and cognitive assessments.
- Evaluated changes from baseline to post-intervention and a 2-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in aggression, pro-social behavior, impulsivity, mental health, or executive functions were observed.
- No differences were found between the violent game group, non-violent game group, and the control group.
- Results remained consistent at post-intervention and follow-up assessments.
Conclusions:
- Provides strong evidence against negative effects of long-term violent video gameplay in adults.
- Suggests a more realistic scientific perspective on violent video gaming is needed.
- Challenges the notion that violent video games inherently harm players' psychological well-being.
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