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Does playing violent action games make people more aggressive in real life?

Lawton MacCoughen

Well, well, well, the million dollar question! Does playing violent action games make people more aggressive in real life? I can hear parents and politicians screaming YES, while gamers (like me) are rolling their eyes and thinking "here we go again".

But before we take sides, let's look at what science has to say. First of all, let's clarify something: video games are not the only source of violence in the world. Movies, TV shows, music, literature, news, sports, and even politics can all depict and promote violence in different ways. So if we're going to blame video games for violence, we should blame everything else too, right?

Second of all, let's look at the studies that have been conducted on this topic. Some of them have indeed found a correlation between playing violent games and behaving more aggressively or desensitized in real life. However, correlation doesn't mean causation. Just because two things are related doesn't mean one causes the other. For example, there's a strong correlation between ice cream sales and crime rates, but that doesn't mean ice cream causes crime (or vice versa). There could be other factors at play, like weather, age, or location.

Third of all, let's look at the context of the games themselves. Not all violent games are the same. Some of them are purely fictional, with no connection to reality or real-life consequences. Some of them are based on historical events or cultural myths, which can provide educational or cultural value. Some of them are designed to challenge players' moral compass or empathy, which can foster reflection and self-awareness. Some of them are meant to be satirical or humorous, which can promote critical thinking and social commentary. Some of them are simply cathartic or stress-relieving, allowing players to vent their frustration or aggression in a harmless way.

Lastly, let's look at the individual differences between players. Not all people react the same way to the same stimuli. Some people are naturally more aggressive or impulsive than others, regardless of what they play or watch. Some people are more sensitive or empathetic, and can distinguish between fantasy and reality more easily. Some people have supportive or challenging environments that shape their beliefs and behaviors, while others have isolating or traumatic experiences that can distort their perceptions and reactions.

So, to answer the question "Does playing violent action games make people more aggressive in real life?" I would say... it depends. It depends on the game, the context, and the person. It depends on how much time and energy they invest in playing, and how much balance and diversity they have in their leisure and learning activities. It depends on how they interpret and respond to the game's themes and messages, and how they apply those to their real-life relationships and conflicts.

In short, video games are not a monolithic entity that can be blamed or praised for everything. They are a diverse and evolving medium that can offer a variety of experiences and benefits, as well as risks and challenges. As users of social media, we should strive to engage in constructive and respectful discussions about their role in our lives and society, instead of resorting to stereotypes and prejudices. And who knows, maybe we can even find common ground and enjoy some games together, regardless of their level of violence.