Literature Review

Video games, do they really cause violence outside of the gaming world? (Hinsliff 2006) states that ‘playing computer games may actually be good for children, according to a government study that found no proof that even violent games triggered aggressive behaviour.’ The study believes that these games can help to improve childrens decision-making, and that make believe violence can help children to ‘conquer fears and develop a sense of identity.’ That is one study that I of the belief that violence is not caused but can help, however (Kalning 2006) asks the question ‘does game violence cause teens aggressive?’

A new study was investigated to solve this by using a brain scan of a young teenagers playing violent and non-violent games to find out results. The two games were ‘Need for Speed: Underground and Medal of Honor: Frontlines.’ 44 teenagers were split into two groups half playing one game the other half the other. After 30 minutes of gameplay a MRI scan was performed on each player. The results from researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine said that the teenagers playing the violent game had a negative effect and showed an increase in emotional arousal with a decrease in self-control and attention. (Kalning 2006.)

Fig.1: ‘Teens that played the violent game (right) showed increased
activity in the Amygdala, which is involved in emotional arousal.’
(Kalning 2006.)