Playing aggressive video games does not increase violent behaviour, suggests Study

London: A study published in journal namely 'Cyber psychology, Behavior, and Social Networking' indicate that playing aggressive video games does not increase any risk factor for mental health problems. The research was lead by Simon Goodson from the University of Huddersfield UK and Brenda K. Wiederhold from Interactive Media Institute, San Diego, United States .

The study becomes important as the existing plethora of theories have been supporting the stance that playing violent video games results in increased aggression and violence.The team examined to investigate whether exposure to aggressive video games could be a risk factor for later mental health symptoms.

"The aim of this special issue is to present empirical findings based upon meticulous research in order to provide a more informed resource for the debate of the effects of playing violent video games," said Simon Goodson, one of the researcher.

The team found that aggressive behaviour was predicted by having deviant peers and specific personality traits, especially low agreeableness.

Violent video game exposure had no long-term effects on aggressive behaviour, the researchers said.

"Video games have been criticized from the moment they came into being and, like with most other new technologies, we've discovered there are benefits as well as shortcomings to consider," said another researcher Brenda K. Wiederhold

"My hope is that by publishing this special issue, highlighting cutting-edge research with objective data, we may come to better understand both the promise and peril of videogames," Wiederhold added.

(From IANS with edits)