Playing violent video games and desensitization to violence

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2015 Jan;24(1):65-77. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.08.001. Epub 2014 Oct 3.

Abstract

This article examines current research linking exposure to violent video games and desensitization to violence. Data from questionnaire, behavioral, and psychophysiologic research are reviewed to determine if exposure to violent video games is a risk factor for desensitization to violence. Real-world implications of desensitization are discussed.

Keywords: Aggression; Desensitization; Empathy; Media violence; Moral evaluation; Video games; Violence; fMRI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Child
  • Discrimination, Psychological
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Social Behavior*
  • United States
  • Video Games / psychology*
  • Violence / psychology*