Aggression in a digital world: Problematic screen use, executive dysfunction and aggressive behaviors.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Digital Media Studies

Background:

• Global digital engagement is increasing, leading to concerns about problematic screen use (PSU).
• PSU is associated with negative outcomes, including aggression and executive dysfunction (EF).
• Existing research links excessive screen use to both aggressive behavior and EF deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between problematic screen use (PSU) and aggressive behavior.
• To investigate the potential mediating role of executive dysfunction (EF) in the link between PSU and aggression.
• To synthesize current evidence on PSU, EF, and aggression.

Main Methods:

• Review of meta-analyses on problematic gaming and aggression.
• Examination of empirical studies on screen use, aggression, and EF.
• Analysis of neuroimaging and cognitive function research on excessive screen use and EF.
• Integration of existing research on EF and aggression.

Main Results:

• Robust effects found between problematic gaming and aggression.
• Growing evidence links various forms of PSU (internet, social media, smartphone use) to aggression.
• Clear evidence of executive dysfunction associated with excessive screen use and its neural substrates.
• Existing research strongly links executive dysfunction to aggressive behavior.

Conclusions:

• Executive dysfunction may partially mediate the relationship between problematic screen use and aggression.
• Further targeted research is essential to fully elucidate the mediating role of EF in the PSU-aggression link.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial given the increasing prevalence of digital engagement.