From: Scientific American
GTA Has Always Raised Anxieties Over Video Games and Violence—Here’s What the Science Actually Says
August 28, 2026
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“Exposure to violent media, including violent video games, is not the only risk factor, and it’s not even the most important risk factor,” says Brad Bushman, a professor at the Ohio State University, who previously served on former president Barack Obama’s committee on gun violence.
“Probably the most important risk factor is provocation. If you provoke somebody, they’re very likely to respond in an aggressive way, whereas if they play a violent video game, maybe they will, maybe they won’t,” he says. People’s socioeconomic status, IQ score, alcohol consumption, and level of narcissistic traits and even hot temperatures can all influence violent behavior, he adds.
Read the whole story (subscription may be required): Scientific American
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