Aggression vs. Anger: The Violent Video Game Conundrum

Commentary about whether violent video games trigger violent behavior in the real world never seems to die down, but lately it's hitting a fever pitch. A new study suggests that the issue might be more complex than previously thought: Specifically that violent games can increase aggression without increasing anger.

If the study is correct, that's a subtle but important distinction. Aggression is something that everyone experiences, all the time, when faced with a hostile environment: Watching a violent TV show or playing a video game both seem to increase aggression, as does the stress of sitting in a hot room. Think about sitting in traffic on the way to work. You may drive a little more aggressively afterward, but does it make you more likely to go on a gun rampage?

The study suggests that, for psychologically stable people, violent video games are no different than any other stressful stimulus, causing only a slight rise in aggression levels after they're played. It's when you deal with unstable personalities (what the research calls angry personalities) that games can cause a problem: Substantially increased aggression levels that could, over time, raise long-term anger levels. That's a problem.

The solution outlined in the research: Identify and intervene with dangerous personalities without restricting or banning content outright. The vast majority of people are simply unaffected by violent games in any significant way, but for those with emotional issues, you're adding fuel to the fire.

LINK: Study shows complicated interplay between anger, aggression, and gaming