Not always video games are harmful
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Discussions about the dangers of video games with scenes of violence and murder are no longer new, but are still relevant.
The opinions of most experts agree that brutal computer "shooters" negatively affect the human psyche and stimulate aggression for a long period of time.
It is difficult to disagree with this, especially since children are doubly affected by this influence.
However, recent researches of scientists demonstrate to a friend the side of video games, or rather a somewhat different reason, which causes an aggressive attitude of the gamer.
As it turned out, brutal game video games are not so harmful, if you play in a team.
New research by scientists from the University of Ohio, published in the journals Communication Research and Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. Show that games with scenes of violence do not make gamers aggressive, provided that a person is a team player.
The scientists analyzed the behavior of two groups of students, one of whom played in the team, and each participant of the second group played for himself. Before that, the participants passed a questionnaire that allowed scientists to establish the degree of their dependence on the game, as well as the level of aggression.
The results indicate that cooperation with other gamers is causing the person to cooperate and not the level of hostility that single players feel.
"It is obvious that the connection of violent behavior with violent video games exists, but most studies unequivocally asserted about this, were held at a time when people played singly. Currently, the social aspect of "shooters" somewhat changes the situation, - says the co-author of the study, Dr. David Evoldsen. - You are passionate about the game, you are in a state of tension and anger, killing virtual opponents, but this negative emotional effect neutralizes team play. "
The data obtained through the analysis of behavioral reactions of gamers, give grounds to believe that it is important to take into account not only the content of games, but also how people play this game. Also, joint actions aimed at achieving a single goal in the virtual world of video games can unite people who in real life, perhaps, would never have found common ground.
The next stage of the experts' research will be the study of the topic: "What is more important, cooperation with others or the killing of computer monsters?".
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