For decades, video games have been a topic of concern, especially when they are mistakenly linked to violent behavior in individuals. The debate heats up every time a tragic event unfolds, and a young perpetrator happens to play video games. But does playing video games genuinely cause violent behavior? The short answer is no. This article will debunk the long-standing myth and examine where this misconception originated.
Origin of the Myth
The concern about video games and violence can be traced back to the early days of arcade games. Games like “Death Race” in the late 1970s, where players controlled a car and had to run over “gremlins”, were criticized for their violent nature. The 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in the popularity of graphic games like “Doom”, “Mortal Kombat”, and “Grand Theft Auto”. Public outcries, especially from parents and legislators, often linked these games to violent behavior in youths.
The concern reached its peak when tragedies like the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 were associated with the perpetrators’ interest in video games. Media, in its pursuit of sensationalism, often made loose connections between video games and these incidents without concrete evidence.
Scientific Evidence
However, over the past two decades, multiple studies have investigated the link between video games and violent behavior. Their findings have consistently debunked the myth.
- No Direct Linkage: A comprehensive meta-analysis by Ferguson (2015) examined research on video games and aggression. The study concluded that there was no significant link between violent video game exposure and aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, or any other detrimental outcomes.
- Violent Crime Reduction: If video games were a significant cause of violent behavior, one would expect a direct correlation between the rise of video game consumption and an increase in violent crimes. However, the opposite seems to be true. As video game sales have soared over the decades, violent crime, particularly among the youth demographic, has decreased. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that violent crime rates decreased by nearly 50% from 1993 to 2018, even as video game consumption dramatically increased.
- International Comparisons: Countries like Japan and South Korea have a higher per capita consumption of video games compared to the U.S. Yet, they have significantly lower rates of violent crimes. If there were a direct causal link, this discrepancy wouldn’t exist.
- Short-term vs. Long-term: While some studies do suggest a minor short-term increase in aggressive thoughts immediately after playing a violent video game, this doesn’t translate to long-term aggressive behavior. It’s essential to differentiate between momentary changes in mood and lasting behavioral impacts.
Other Factors at Play
Blaming video games for violent behavior oversimplifies a complex issue. Violence in society is multifaceted, with contributing factors like socioeconomic conditions, family environment, mental health, and more.
- Societal Factors: Areas with high unemployment rates, lack of educational opportunities, and other societal challenges often experience higher rates of violence, regardless of video game consumption.
- Mental Health: Mental health plays a crucial role in aggressive behaviors. Individuals with untreated psychological disorders might be more prone to violence, irrespective of their video game habits.
- Family and Peer Influence: The influence of family and peers can significantly shape a person’s behavior. A supportive environment can buffer negative influences, while a toxic environment can exacerbate them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the debate on video games and violence might continue in some circles, the scientific consensus is clear: video games do not cause violent behavior. While it’s essential to monitor the content young people are exposed to and ensure age-appropriate gaming, it’s equally crucial not to use video games as a scapegoat for larger societal issues. Understanding the real causes of violence and addressing them will be more effective than laying blame on a form of entertainment enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Sources:
- Ferguson, C. J. (2015). Do Angry Birds Make for Angry Children? A Meta-Analysis of Video Game Influences on Children’s and Adolescents’ Aggression, Mental Health, Prosocial Behavior, and Academic Performance. Psychological Popular Media Culture, 4(2), 185-195.
- U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2019). Criminal Victimization, 2018. Retrieved from [website].
- Anderson, C. A., & Dill, K. E. (2000). Video Games and Aggressive Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior in the Laboratory and in Life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(4), 772-790.