Video Games Cause Aggression?

This video was sponsored by Best Fiends

Welcome to the first edition of Psych News, where we announce new discoveries in the world of Psychology and human behavior. Todays stories include:

0:10 The effects of video games on aggression

Ever since the rise of violent media in TV, movies, and now video games, their effects on kids and society have been hotly debated. A number of studies have concluded that the effects of video games on individuals are generally negative. Generally people who play violent video games show an increase in aggression and a decrease in empathy. Though video game effects seem to be largely negative, a current study decided to further expand on the findings. Previous work done on the social effect of video games have been examined from a short term perspective. This new study examined video game effects in the long run and concluded there may be good effects of video games.

2:44 New watch tells you if you're a boring conversationalist

Scientists have finally developed a watch that can determine a conversations tone. Using audio, text transcriptions, and physiological signs this watch can determine a conversations tone with 83% accuracy. Researchers say this is most helpful for those with anxiety or aspergers because it acts like a social coach.

[DarthShadie]

I'm a 34 year old gamer. When I play video games, sometimes I get into the story, I feel for the characters (for RPGs), I already have high lvls of empathy. When I am upset, going in a game and killing dragons is a good way to let it out without taking it out on anyone. Sometimes playing relaxes me. Sometimes it hypes me up and I, who has anxiety, am able to go out for a bit, go for a walk, go to something creative, because I am pumped up in a good way. If I am in a game that has a lot of lag issues, my impatiencenlvls go up significantly lol

[twoheadedhead]

my mom always says video games and mobile phone make me angry, but what really makes me angry is her saying that that makes me angry

[ching]

ppl complaining about lag in video games, while i have lag in real life .-.

[WhoElseButZane]

do videos cause real world violence? or are violent kids drawn to violent video games? correlation≠causation.

[monkey]

i play violent video games but i'm still way too fucking nice to people

[GiantTabby]

I don't see any connection between violent behavior and games themselves. Even if someone does turn out violent, it's most likely because they are already like that. Besides, focusing on just violent video games is a pretty silly thing to do when there's a whole spectrum of how they play and what subjects they explore.

[esnupigaming]

i'm so pissed off at my parents right now. I recently bought a new shooting video game and I admit I was playing it a lot but I was just excited about my new game. Anyway, two weeks later they come and talk to me saying I was becoming more rude and angry BECAUSE of the game when in reality they would come and talk to me during matches and I just couldn't respond properly!! So then they took my new game and said I'm not having it back because it makes me aggressive and seeing this video was helpful because now I'll tell them what ACTUAL RESEARCH says and not only their biased opinion which is only based on their feelings. ugh i'm so upset

[shailenehawthorn]

It's ironic how this video is sponsored by a video game.

[claramarques]

i used to kill peaple with the car in GTA wen i was little, and today i get sad wen i kill a bug.

[fatherpeggy]

I think video games can have a positive or a negative outcome depending on the person. For some people it could help them problem solve better, while others could become violent. My little brother loves playing video games, and I have noticed that ever since he became an avid gamer he has shown more aggression. Of course that could be because he is so young and video games are teaching him different things, but that's why I think they have different effects on different people. I play video games and they haven't changed how I behave, but I will get a bit mad if I lose or something. I'm no scientist so don't think I did any research whatsoever, I was just using examples from my own experiences.

[LaconianDrakon]

Idk about anyone else but videogames help me submerge into an evironment were i can freely let go of my anger (being an introvert). A place were i can kill as many players as i want, to then be the most calm sheep you will have ever known outside of them.

[extradimension]

I think the main worry with video games is the ADDICTIVE nature of them. It's a little worrying that one could spend 10, 000 hours becoming highly proficient at a video game or 10, 000 hours becoming proficient at playing the violin etc. How best to "spend" that 10, 000 hours? I/we have significant technologies we wish to deploy in the video games arena and coming from the non-profit/cultural domain it is a kind of a grating ethical question. I think video games are "Safer" than recreational alcohol or sports like Polo or horse racing and even fishing/angling but ADDICTIVE triggers and patterning of behavior is worrying/disturbing? What do you think?

[JulianCaesaro]

Violent video games give a nonviolent way to channel aggression. You can take your anger out on video game characters because they're not real, which is great. As for what causes aggression in the real world, it could be genetic, or your environment (I.e. negative family members or struggling with a task). Trying to blame "aggression" and "lack of empathy" due to video games is to try and find a simple scapegoat for a complex problem.

[DkKombo]

There was also a study by researchers (whom of which I honestly do not remember the names of) that found some war vets actually help cope with their ptsd by playing call of duty.
Another study was done with recreating the road that a veteran experienced a traumatic event with basic graphics and oculus technology.

Also to add icing to the cake, a kid made a game for his blind grandma to play.

[JustATourist]

Very long sponsor disclaimer for pretty little content. Is this the future of Youtube?

[cuntking]

The only way a game would cause increased aggression is if the game is to hard and frustrating, but eventually they will pass the game and be completely fine. Yes I think it cause aggression, but not towards others, only the game. Some people will rage for trolls and anything annoying. I am a calm guy but if I get mad over a video game then I will show it.

[HTFFanOfFlaky]

Author of XKCD Randal Monroe once suggested that, rather than video games causing violence, that violence may actually cause video games.

[gusguslvr]

I used to play GTA on the PsP when I was five....And people now have called me "optimistic", "the nicest person in the world" and even a "big bucket of joy"

[LedoCool]

Violen video games do cause increased agression. It's a fact. They cause agression of people who don't play them.

[andrewgodly]

Video games don't make me more aggressive. What makes me aggressive is accusations like "video games make you aggressive"