Conclusion:
There is a large body of scientific literature on the relationship between violent video game play and children’s violent behavior, and the vast majority of studies have found a small but significant positive correlation. This means that children who play more violent video games are slightly more likely to engage in violent behavior, both in the short-term and the long-term.
However, it is important to note that correlation does not equal causation. Just because there is a link between violent video game play and violent behavior does not mean that playing violent video games causes children to become violent. There are many other factors that can contribute to children’s violent behavior, such as genetics, family environment, and exposure to violence in the real world.
It is also important to note that the vast majority of children who play violent video games do not become violent. In fact, most studies have found that only a very small percentage of children who play violent video games go on to engage in serious violent behavior.
What Does the Scientific Literature Say?
A 2010 meta-analysis of 100 studies found that violent video game play was associated with a small but significant increase in aggressive behavior. The meta-analysis also found that the effect was more pronounced in boys than in girls.
A 2015 longitudinal study of over 3,000 children found that those who played violent video games at age 7 were more likely to engage in violent behavior at age 10. The study also found that the effect was mediated by aggressive thoughts and feelings.
A 2017 longitudinal study of over 1,000 children found that those who played violent video games at age 10 were more likely to engage in violent behavior at age 14. The study also found that the effect was mediated by desensitization to violence and aggressive cognitions.
What Does the Senate Testimony Say?
The Senate testimony on the relationship between violent video games and children’s violent behavior is mixed. Some experts testified that there is a clear link between violent video game play and violent behavior, while others testified that the evidence is not conclusive.
One of the experts who testified that there is a clear link between violent video games and violent behavior is Dr. Craig Anderson, a professor of psychology at Iowa State University. Dr. Anderson has conducted numerous studies on the effects of violent video games on children’s behavior, and he has concluded that violent video games can desensitize children to violence and make them more likely to engage in aggressive behavior.
Another expert who testified that there is a clear link between violent video games and violent behavior is Dr. James Garbarino, a professor of psychology at Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Garbarino testified that violent video games can create a culture of violence and make children more likely to see violence as a way to solve problems.
However, some experts who testified at the Senate hearing argued that the evidence on the relationship between violent video games and children’s violent behavior is not conclusive. One of these experts is Dr. Christopher Ferguson, a professor of psychology at Stetson University. Dr. Ferguson testified that the vast majority of studies on the effects of violent video games have been poorly designed and that the results have been misinterpreted.
Another expert who testified that the evidence is not conclusive is Dr. Patrick Markey, a professor of psychology at Villanova University. Dr. Markey testified that there is a small but significant link between violent video game play and aggressive behavior, but he cautioned that this does not mean that violent video games cause children to become violent.
Conclusion
The vast majority of scientific literature has found a small but significant link between violent video game play and children’s violent behavior. However, it is important to note that correlation does not equal causation. Just because there is a link between violent video game play and violent behavior does not mean that playing violent video games causes children to become violent. There are many other factors that can contribute to children’s violent behavior, such as genetics, family environment, and exposure to violence in the real world.
It is also important to note that the vast majority of children who play violent video games do not become violent. In fact, most studies have found that only a very small percentage of children who play violent video games go on to engage in serious violent behavior.
Parents should be aware of the potential risks associated with violent video game play and should monitor their children’s video game playing habits. However, parents should also be aware that violent video games are only one of many factors that can contribute to children’s violent behavior.
