Do Video Games Really Make You Violent or Just Aggressive in the moment?

For years, I think many people in society have believed that a minor reason why we have mass shooters is that they play too many violent video games. But in fact, 85% of the U.S. teen population plays video games, so it is a common leisure activity among teenagers. There is actually no strong scientific proof that video games can cause violent behavior; however, there is evidence that they can cause aggression. This is where the confusion begins, as many people think violence and aggression are the same thing: however, they are not. So first, let's unpack that and then get into how both words relate to video games.

What is the difference between aggression and violence?

Aggression refers to any behaviour intended to harm another person, whether physically, emotionally, or socially. It may involve overt acts like punching or verbal insults, or more covert behaviors such as social exclusion or spreading harmful rumors.

Violence, by contrast, is a subset of aggressionone that involves the deliberate use of physical force with the intent to cause severe harm, injury, or death. While all violence is aggressive, not all aggression becomes violent.

What I get from the definitions is that violence is more extreme than agression in the sense that you are not just intending harm but also causing harm. Now that you have a better understanding of the two words lets get into there connection to video games.

So what does this mean for gaming? Research shows that playing violent video games can increase aggression, like more angry thoughts or impulsive reactionsbut it does not lead to actual violent behavior.

For example, a study of 227 college students found that those who played more violent games in junior and high school showed more aggressive behavior but not violent behavior. A large meta-analysis of 28 global studies with over 21,000 participants confirmed the link between violent games and aggression is extremely small, almost negligible, and doesn’t predict real-world violence.

How Video Games Affect the Brain (Beyond Aggression)

Gaming isn’t just about aggression or violence your brain lights up in fascinating ways while you play. The book Neurogamer explains that video games activate multiple areas of the brain, from memory and attention to problem-solving and decision-making.

When you’re fully immersed in a game, your brain enters a state called flow, where time seems to disappear, and you’re completely focused. This can create strong emotions, from excitement to euphoria but it also strengthens your brain’s reward and learning systems.

Some other cool effects:

• Achievement & mastery: Completing levels or earning rewards gives your brain a dopamine boost, making you feel accomplished.

• Attention & multitasking: Fast-paced games improve focus, reflexes, and the ability to track multiple things at once.

• Social connections: Multiplayer games help build teamwork, communication, and social problem-solving skills.

  
  

Basically, gaming is like a mental gym where your neurons lift weights and level up skills that go far beyond just aggression.

Do Video Games Make Us Smarter?

Certain games can actually boost cognitive skills. Action games improve reflexes and attention, puzzle games challenge your problem-solving, and strategy games train your brain to plan ahead.

Think of it like this: every split-second decision you make in a shooter and every team strategy in Fortnite is like secret brain training. You’re practicing skills that show up in school, sports, and real life—without even realizing it.

As I always say, everything is best in moderation. Video games can be incredible tools for learning, creativity, and connection but if we spend too much time in them, especially on violent content, it can quietly shape the way we feel and respond to others, sometimes dulling empathy or making us more reactive. Looking back, it’s clear that balance is more than a rule it’s a choice we make for our own well-being. Games can challenge us, entertain us, and even heal us but only when we remember to step back, reflect, and play with intention. thank you for reading.

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My sources are listed below:

Author, N., & Author, N. (2025, July 3). Violent Video Games and Aggression - National Center for Health Research. National Center for Health Research - The Voice For Prevention, Treatment and Policy. https://www.center4research.org/violent-video-games-can-increase-aggression/

FOX 26 Houston. (2024, September 27). Breaking The Cycle: Do video games lead to real-life violence? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_k_6RGqmZM

Gaming, V. (2023, June 19). The Psychology of Gaming: How video games affect our emotions and behavior. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/psychology-gaming-how-video-games-affect-our-emotions-behavior

Harvard Health. (2010, October 1). Violent video games and young people. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/violent-video-games-and-young-people.

Hern, A. (2020, July 22). Playing video games doesn’t lead to violent behaviour, study shows. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/jul/22/playing-video-games-doesnt-lead-to-violent-behaviour-study-shows

Nichols, H. (2023, February 9). How video games affect the brain. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318345#Video-games-and-brain-changes