Video Games and Violence

Study Finds No Evidence That More Violent, Difficult Video Games Spur Aggression

Some of the most popular video games feature violence of some kind — psychological scientists are investigating whether violent in-game behavior actually impacts real-world behavior. More

  • Differing conclusions on the link between video games and aggression may come down to how research teams interpret and report their statistical analyses, rather than the underlying data. More

    Abstract particle graph background.

    More Common Ground Than Conflict in Video Game Data

    Differing conclusions on the link between video games and aggression may come down to how research teams interpret and report their statistical analyses, rather than the underlying data. More

  • A large data analysis shows only minimal impact of violent video games on aggressive behavior, but scientists say they need better measures to confirm those findings. More

    Researchers Delve Into Data on Video Games and Aggression in Kids

    A large data analysis shows only minimal impact of violent video games on aggressive behavior, but scientists say they need better measures to confirm those findings. More

  • Many people speculate that individuals with autism spectrum disorder may be more susceptible to emotionally arousing content found in violent video games, but research suggests the opposite. More

    Video Game Violence Doesn’t Boost Aggression Among Adults with Autism

    Many people speculate that individuals with autism spectrum disorder may be more susceptible to emotionally arousing content found in violent video games, but research suggests the opposite. More

  • Research reveals unequivocal evidence that exposure to media violence increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behavior in both immediate and long-term contexts. More

    Does Onscreen Violence Beget Real-World Violence?

    Research reveals unequivocal evidence that exposure to media violence increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behavior in both immediate and long-term contexts. More

  • Organizations and associations have issued statements about the effects of media exposure, but many such statements do not accurately reflect the available scientific evidence, researchers find. More

    Solution Concept with Magnifying Glass

    Policy Statements on the Effects of Media Overlook Scientific Complexity

    Organizations and associations have issued statements about the effects of media exposure, but many such statements do not accurately reflect the available scientific evidence, researchers find. More

  • Media and video games that portray cooperation and caring have a positive influence on behavior, a cross-cultural study shows. More

    Prosocial Media Linked With Empathy Across Cultures

    Media and video games that portray cooperation and caring have a positive influence on behavior, a cross-cultural study shows. More

Latest Research News

Psychological Science in the News