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Video games are not always harmful
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Discussions about the dangers of video games with scenes of violence and murder are not new, but they are still relevant.
The opinions of most experts agree that violent computer shooters have a negative impact on the human psyche and stimulate aggression over a long period of time.
It is difficult to disagree with this, especially since children are doubly susceptible to this influence.
However, recent research by scientists shows another side of video games, or rather a slightly different reason that causes gamers to become aggressive.
As it turns out, violent video games aren't all that harmful when played in a team.
New research by Ohio State University researchers published in the journals Communication Research and Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking shows that violent games do not make gamers aggressive, provided that the person is a team player.
Scientists analyzed the behavior of two groups of students, one of which played in a team, and each participant in the second group played for himself. Before this, the participants completed a questionnaire that allowed scientists to determine the degree of their dependence on the game, as well as the level of aggression.
The results suggest that cooperating with other gamers makes people more cooperative and less hostile than solo players.
"There is a clear link between violent video games and aggressive behavior, but most of the studies that have shown this clearly were conducted when people played alone. Nowadays, the social aspect of shooters changes things somewhat," says study co-author Dr. David Evoldsen. "You are engaged in the game, you are tense and angry as you kill virtual opponents, but this negative emotional effect is neutralized by team play."
The data obtained by analyzing gamers’ behavioral responses suggests that it is important to consider not only the content of games, but also how people play them. Also, joint actions aimed at achieving a common goal in the virtual world of video games can unite people who in real life might never find common ground.
The next stage of the experts' research will be to study the topic: "What is more important, cooperation with others or killing computer monsters?"
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