Video game violence:: A review of the empirical literature
Aggression and Violent Behavior, 3 (4):
407--428 (1999)Abstract
ABSTRACT. The popularity of video games, especially violent video games, has reached
phenomenal proportions. The theoretical line of reasoning that hypothesizes a causal relationship between violent video-game play and aggression draws on the very large literature on
media violence effects. Additionally, there are theoretical reasons to believe that video game
effects should be stronger than movie or television violence effects. This paper outlines what
is known about the relationship between violent video-game playing and aggression. The
available literature on virtual reality effects on aggression is discussed as well. The preponderance of the evidence from the existing literature suggests that exposure to video-game violence
increases aggressive behavior and other aggression-related phenomena.However, the paucity
of empirical data, coupled with a variety of methodological problems and inconsistencies
in these data, clearly demonstrate the need for additional research.