Violent Games Research Articles

THE CHILD AS A VICTIM OF THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the issue of the child as a victim in the digital environment The primary goal of this research is to focus on the cybercrimes that target children in the digital space and discuss the concept of criminal protection for children. Theoretical Framework: It highlights both classical and modern cybercrimes that children fall victim to, such as defamation, threats and stalking, identity theft and grooming, cyberterrorism, racial discrimination, violent games, and cyberbullying. Method: The study adopts the descriptive method, as it is the most suitable for this type of research, by analyzing and reviewing various sources related to the subject, including previous studies, laws, and regulations, as well as international agreements such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Budapest Convention, the Arab Charter on the Rights of the Child, and the European Social Charter. Additionally, it examines local legislations in countries like Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Results and Discussion & Research Implications: The study concluded with several findings, including that children are easily accessible and manipulable victims. Originality/Value: The paper also discusses the challenges of implementing mechanisms to protect children in the digital environment and concludes with recommendations to enhance the use of modern digital technologies to protect children, the victims of the digital environment, from potential risks.

Investigating the Impact of PUBG on Academic Performance and Mental Health among Pakistani Teenagers

The PUBG game holds widespread popularity among Pakistani teenagers; however, concerns have surfaced regarding its potential impact on academic achievement and mental health. Prolonged play may result in migraines, eye strain, and back pain, while violent games could potentially influence harsh speech patterns in young individuals. The decision to ban PUBG has attracted attention due to its perceived violent nature. This research aims to ascertain PUBG's detrimental effects on students' academic performance in Pakistan and seeks to find interventions for addressing PUBG addiction. A quantitative study in Pakistan, with a sample size of 100 responders, aims to assess the game's effects on students' emotions and behavior. Thematic analysis, utilizing an interview guide, will be the final analytical strategy employed in this study.

Video Games, Violence Justification and Child-to-Parent Violence

During the past decade, video games have become the main industrial entertainment sector, although research on the effects of violence in video games on juvenile aggressiveness has raised concerns that they may pose a significant social risk. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of exposure to violent video games, pathological video-gaming, and justification of violence with the perpetration of Child-to-Parent Violence (CPV) against the mother and the father, controlling for the sex, educational level, and violent TV exposure of the participant. The sample consisted of 439 students from Compulsory Secondary Education, (238 boys and 201 girls), aged between 13 and 18. Exposure to video games was assessed through an author-elaborated questionnaire, violence justification, and pathological video-gaming were evaluated with the Exposure to Violence Questionnaire and the Assessment of Pathological Computer-Gaming, respectively, and CPV was assessed through the Child-to-Parent Aggression Questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that pathological video-gaming and, specially, justification of violence, were related to the perpetration of CPV against both mothers and fathers. However, a relationship of exposure to violent video games and violence on TV with the perpetration of CPV was not found. These results suggest a potential new target for CPV prevention, as well as for the treatment of juvenile offenders.

The effect of a physically formidable competitor or cooperator on attraction to violent video games

Typically, men prefer violent video games more than women do. However, little is known about the motivational factors driving this greater preference for violent games in men. The integrative motivational model of violent video games (IMT-VVG) suggests that the pull of violent video games should be strongest in men because men have faced stronger evolutionary pressures to physically compete within an explicit hierarchy relative to women. In two experiments, individuals were led to believe they were competing (Experiment 1; N = 122) or cooperating (Experiment 2; N = 121) with an ostensible same-gender partner to complete a physical strength program. The partner was presented as either high or low in physical formidability. Participants then selected a violent or non-violent video game to play for up to 15 min. In Experiment 1, men showed a stronger preference for violent video games than women when they anticipated facing a stronger opponent in an impending physical strength competition. In Experiment 2, for the physical cooperation task, men also chose the violent game over the non-violent game, but did so independent of the formidability of their cooperation partner. In sum, these data suggest that men may be attracted to violent video games when faced with a competitive task that requires physical strength, but not necessarily a cooperative task. In support of this hypothesis, participants who played the violent games reported greater subjective toughness after game play. These results provide evidence for a new integrative motivational theory of violent video game play.

Comprehensive analysis including in-game spending and violent game playing in patients with internet gaming disorder.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is receiving increasing attention. In particular, violent gameplay or in-game spending affects the psychiatric conditions and economic difficulties of patients. We conducted regression analysis and path analysis to investigate the associations between a comprehensive list of factors in patients with IGD, including the degree of internet or gaming dependence, developmental problems, family background, severity of depression, sleeping habits, in-game spending, and first-person shooter (FPS) and third-person shooter (TPS) game playing. The participants were 47 Japanese individuals (39 males and 8 females) aged ≤20 years diagnosed with IGD with complete data from the internet addiction test, autism spectrum quotient, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All participants were asked whether their parents have divorce history, whether they have siblings, whether they play FPS or TPS games, and whether they engage in in-game spending. Firstly, we compared these factors between males and females; secondly, we conducted regression analysis and path analysis in male patients. As for simple comparison between sex, female patients showed greater severity of IGD and depressive score. In regression analysis of male patients, significant associations were found between FPS or TPS game playing and in-game spending. We also created path diagrams. The results of the comprehensive analyses suggest the possibility that bidirectional synergistic effects could be achieved by gradually reducing both violent game playing and in-game spending. The concept of internet dependence has a wide range of meanings, and for each subtype, it is important to consider the background that led to the dependence to make individualized environmental adjustments and provide psychotherapy.

Affect and Emotions in Two Chilean Postmemory Narratives: La dimensión desconocida by Nona Fernández and La resta by Alia Trabucco Zerán

La dimensión desconocida (2016) by Nona Fernández and La resta (2014) by Alia Trabucco Zerán are recent novels about the memory of the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990) in Chile that use emotions to reconstruct a historical era through memory. The two novels share an emphasis on the affect and emotions of both readers and characters. While La dimensión desconocida is a historical novel that invites the reader to identify and empathize with the protagonists, La resta is an allegorical novel that provokes the reader to think about history by startling him or her through the narration of the protagonists' violent games.

The impact of acute violent videogame exposure on neurocognitive markers of empathic concern.

Research examining the purported association between violent gaming and aggression remains controversial due to concerns related to methodology, unclear neurocognitive mechanisms, and the failure to adequately consider the role of individual differences in susceptibility. To help address these concerns, we used fMRI and an emotional empathy task to examine whether acute and cumulative violent gaming exposure were associated with abnormalities in emotional empathy as a function of trait-empathy. Emotional empathy was targeted given its involvement in regulating not only aggression, but also other important social functions such as compassion and prosocial behaviour. We hypothesized that violent gaming exposure increases the risk of aberrant social behaviour by altering the aversive value of distress cues. Contrary to expectations, neither behavioural ratings nor empathy-related brain activity varied as a function of violent gaming exposure. Notably, however, activation patterns in somatosensory and motor cortices reflected an interaction between violent gaming exposure and trait empathy. Thus, our results are inconsistent with a straightforward relationship between violent gaming exposure and reduced empathy. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of considering both individual differences in susceptibility and other aspects of cognition related to social functioning to best inform public concern regarding safe gaming practices.

Use of Digital Technologies: Family Perspectives on Children's Health

The increasing use of digital technologies among children and adolescents prompts concerns about their impact on development and necessitates family mediation. This study explored primary caregivers’ views on the effects of screen exposure on child health through a focus group with 20 caregivers (17 mothers and 3 grandmothers, aged 20 to 40) from an elementary school in Irecê, Bahia. Findings indicate that children’s screen time, including TV and mobile phones, often lacks proper time and content control due to caregivers’ extensive responsibilities such as remote work and household chores. Major concerns were exposure to violent games, deceptive online profiles, and potential interactions with abusers. Notable behavioral issues in children included irritability, aggression, and sleep problems. Caregivers implemented mediation strategies like setting rules, time restrictions, content filters, and discussing digital self-care. The discussion also addressed addiction mechanisms, family screen habits, gender differences in electronic device usage, and their health impacts on children. An agreement was made to limit screen use across the family, especially an hour before bedtime, aiming to enhance children’s sleep quality and thereby improve their mood and academic performance. This condensed study underscores the challenges caregivers face with children’s digital access and stresses the importance of effective mediation strategies. Enhanced parental engagement and school collaboration are crucial for fostering healthier digital habits that benefit children’s health and family well-being.

Behavior of Verval Violence in Online Game Players (Mobile Legend: Bang Bang)

Verbal violent behavior in the online game mobile legend: bang bang for some online game players is normal and has become a habit. The purpose of this study was to explore the behavior of verbal violence in online game players: mobile legend bang bang. This study uses a qualitative research design with a construct realism approach. The research respondents totaled 188 online game players: mobile legend: bang bang. Data was collected using an open question questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out in three stages, namely open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The results of the study show that there are five types of verbal abuse that occur in online games: mobile legend: bang bang, i.e. swearing by demeaning one's abilities, using animal names, harsh words, sexual harassment, and swearing by insulting one's condition. The causes of individuals getting verbal violence are lack of skills, experiencing defeat in games, poor communication, and network disturbances. Individuals also verbally abuse other individuals due to anger, bad playing players, game atmosphere, habits, and game strategies. The individual goals of verbal violence are expressing frustration, motivating players, self-satisfaction, game strategies, and player habits. The impact of verbal violence is the psychological impact such as hurt, fear, giving resistance, provoked anger, and retaliating. Non-psychological impacts such as stopping playing, reporting to game parties, disabling communication features, and motivating players. Efforts to minimize verbal violence in the legendary mobile game: bang bang, namely reminding each other, playing seriously, calming down, stopping playing, venting on other things, ignoring other players. The implication of this research is as a source of literacy regarding verbal violence that occurs in the mobile game legend: bang bang.

The psychological and legal dimensions of cyber violence in the digital game perspective: The case of league of legends

With the developing technology, individuals have begun to work and carry out all kinds of transactions through digital platforms. In parallel, digital environments have also begun to meet individuals' entertainment needs, with games becoming digitized and gaming habits evolving in a different direction. This situation has brought with it both the benefits and the online risks of the digital world. Cyber violence, defined as any harmful behavior towards an individual or group through cyberspace, is one of these online risks. As a preliminary study, this paper aims to examine the extent and methods of cyber violence experienced by male and female users in the online game League of Legends, which is one of the most popular online games in Turkey, and to analyze the psychological and legal aspects of cyber violence in digital games. In this experimental, descriptive study with blended research methodology, both male and female users played the game alone and as a team at regular intervals for one month. Participants were asked to use their usernames and behavior in the game, indicating their gender. The reactions received by both participants when playing the game well or poorly were analyzed to examine cyber violence from legal and psychological perspectives. As a preliminary result of the study, it was found that female participants received the most flirtatious offers and were subjected to verbal abuse and insults, even when playing the game well. Male participants, on the other hand, were subjected to verbal abuse and insults when playing the game both well and poorly. When the participants played the game together, it was found that female participants were subjected to cyber violence the most. This violence is most commonly expressed in the form of verbal abuse and insults. It is believed that examining cyber violence in digital games from legal and psychological perspectives will raise awareness about cyber violence.

THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF VIOLENT GAMING UPON PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY AND BULLYING BEHAVIOR IN PROBLEMATIC SMARTPHONE USERS

A psychopathic personality is a pattern of traits linked to impulsivity, lack of empathy & propensity to indulge in criminal behavior. It is significantly associated with bullying behavior, especially among problematic smart users. Present study explored the role of violent games on psychopathic personality and bullying behavior. Using the purposive sample approach, data was gathered from 801 young smartphone users. The results indicated a high association between psychopathic personality characteristics and bullying behavior. The results of study provide important information in reaching the conclusion and making suitable decisions about phenomena under considerations. In this regard, the findings of moderation analysis revealed that association between psychopathic personality and bullying has become strongest with violent video games. The findings would also assist psychologists in forming support groups and educational campaigns that facilitate young adults about the negative impacts of violent games and excessive smart phone use on mental health and thus study provides clues for future research.

On the influence of online games on juvenile delinquency and its prevention and control suggestions

In the context of the rapid development of the Internet, online games have developed rapidly in recent years, and teenagers have gradually become the main force of online games. Online games have a certain negative impact on the development of young people. The violence and other negative elements in online games and the high simulation of games will weaken the self-control of young players and lead them to the road of crime. In order to further reduce the negative impact of online games on teenagers, game design and operation, home school social ethics education, legal regulations and other different perspectives, Put forward some suggestions on the rationality of the development of characters and scenes of online games, the market standard operation of audit operators, and the correct attitude and moral education of teenagers towards online games. Publicize and promote positive energy so that teenagers can relax in online games at the same time, they can increase their knowledge and develop correct world outlook, outlook on life and values.

As The Boundaries Blur Between Games and Reality

Written for WRS 104. A video gamer considers the impact of video game violence on her daily life.

Games, hormones, and “dark” personalities: Dark tetrad and the effects of violent gaming on aggression, cortisol, and testosterone

We investigated how playing a violent versus non-violent video game affects cortisol and testosterone levels, whether these hormonal changes increase implicit aggressive cognition, and whether so-called Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, everyday sadism) moderate these effects. Fifty-four men played either a violent or a non-violent video game for 25 min. Participants provided salivary samples at the beginning of the experiment (T1), after 25 min of gameplay (T2), and 20 min after gameplay ended (T3). In the violent condition, participants showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels (T1 to T2) and a significant negative trend in cortisol levels from T1 to T3. Moreover, higher Machiavellianism scores were related to a significantly stronger decrease in cortisol (T1 to T2) in this condition. In the non-violent condition, however, participants with higher scores in Machiavellianism had a higher increase in cortisol (T1 to T2). In contrast to changes in hormonal levels, there were no significant effects on implicit aggressive cognition. The present findings illustrate the complex interplay between personality, hormones, and game content, thus further specifying current notions on the effects of violent video games. Playing a violent video game can have a stress-reducing calming effect depending on personality traits such as Machiavellianism and the psychological need satisfaction associated with it. Also, the fact that VVG exposure was not automatically accompanied by an aggression-increasing effect proves that simple cause-effect models are not sufficiently specified without taking the underlying mechanisms into account.

Psychological distress and aggression among adolescents with internet gaming disorder symptoms

The present study aimed to investigate the current situation of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in Chinese adolescents and explore the impact of IGD-related factors on adolescent aggression. We hypothesized that IGD symptoms in adolescents would be associated with aggressive behavior and that risk factors for IGD symptoms could increase the aggressive tendencies of adolescents. To verify the above hypothesis, a cross-sectional survey of junior and senior high school students from southern, southwestern, central, and eastern China was conducted. A total of 9306 valid questionnaires were collected. The results showed that the prevalence of IGD symptoms was 1.78 % among Chinese adolescents. The adolescents in the disordered gamer group had the most severe IGD symptoms, with the highest levels of psychological distress and aggression. Interestingly, adolescents in the casual gamer group had the lowest psychological distress and aggression scores. Linear regression analysis further showed that higher levels of aggression were significantly associated with male sex, younger age, more severe psychological distress and IGD symptoms, and more violent game exposure. Our results suggested that excessive online gaming not only contributes to psychological distress in adolescents but also increases their levels of aggressive behavior. Apart from male sex and younger age, severe IGD symptoms and psychological distress are the most important predictors of the development of aggressive behavior.

Violent online game contact and academic procrastination: A moderated mediation model

AbstractResearchers have found that violent online game addiction has become a serious global problem that negatively affects younger people. This study used a cross‐sectional research design to examine the effects of violent online game contact on individuals' academic procrastination. We further explored the mediating role of emotional self‐regulation and the moderating role of peer communication in the link between violent online game contact and academic procrastination. A sample of 1132 students completed self‐reported questionnaires regarding violent online game contact, emotional self‐regulation, peer communication, and academic procrastination. Participants were randomly selected from Guangdong Province, China. Results indicated that violent online game contact was positively correlated with academic procrastination, while emotional self‐regulation indirectly affected the relationship. Peer communication played a moderating role in the indirect effect between emotional self‐regulation and academic procrastination. The general pattern of this mechanism illustrates that as peer communication increased, the effects of emotional self‐regulation on academic procrastination decreased. The findings elucidate how and for whom violent online game exposure is related to academic procrastination. This research demonstrates that violent game contact is an important factor affecting academic procrastination, clarifies the role of peer communication and emotional self‐regulation, and provides practical suggestions for preventing academic procrastination in the field of school psychology.

Investigating the Impact of Using Computer Games on Aggression in Adolescents

Introduction: One of the factors affecting adolescent aggression is the use of violent computer games. Computer games as a social phenomenon, along with other audio and video media in today's world, are the main audiences of children and adolescents because of their stunning growth and attraction, but the question is whether computer games, especially the type Their violent and combat effects have harmful effects on children and adolescents or have been magnified. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the impact of using computer games on aggression in adolescents.
 Methods: In this descriptive study, the first high school male students were selected by 100 people by random clustered. The method of gathering field information and the data collection tool was the aggressive and fairy questionnaire. The confidence level of these tests was 95%. The analysis was performed by the 23 SPSS statistical software.
 Results: The average age of students was 0/82 and 13/82 years old and most interest in fighting and violent games. The results showed that there was a significant difference between aggression and students' grade point average (p=0/013), the Anova statistical test found that the relationship between the aggression questionnaire score and the type of games and the birth rate of the meaning is significant. The highest frequency of games was reported in rough fighting games with 45 abundance and the lowest in the creative computer game with 15 abundance.
 Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the most popular game as well as the highest rate of adolescent aggression in relation to combat games and the lowest aggression in the creative intellectual game group. Students and adolescents with average academic status had the most aggressive impact on computer games.

Sharpening Early Digital Literacy Skills as a Long-Term Investment for Young Children

AbstractIn today's rapidly advancing digital era, the ability to master technology has become crucial for everyone. Nearly all activities can be carried out using technology, especially digital technology that is accessible by anyone, anytime, and anywhere, from adults to young children. However, it's important to note that young children, who are in a crucial stage of growth and development, are highly susceptible to environmental influences, including digital technology which is now easily accessible to them, often with parental permission to use gadgets. Therefore, this is a significant concern because in the age range of 0-6 years, a child's brain development progresses rapidly, reaching up to 80%, allowing their brains to easily absorb various information, both positive and negative.This period is often referred to as the "golden age," which requires close supervision from adults regarding the use of digital technology by young children. Strict supervision is necessary because digital technology can grant unrestricted access to young children, including access to negative content such as pornography and violent games, which can adversely impact their morals and development. Conversely, with proper guidance and supervision, the use of digital technology can offer numerous benefits to young children, such as enhancing their creativity and insights, as well as helping them explore talents and interests in the digital realm. Therefore, the author is interested in identifying and describing the digital literacy skills of young children as a long-term investment

Possible Effects of Playing Video Games With Explicit Violence on Player Aggression

Video games have become the most significant phenomenon of popular culture, and one of the most widespread forms of entertainment in society of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. This prevalence corresponds with profitability, and the video game industry records the highest revenues in the cultural and entertainment industries. Simultaneously, the level of the scientific study of the phenomenon and its impact remains disproportionately small, while moral panic and the banalized and oversimplified accusation of video games for causing violence and evil in people are the dominant social attitude and reaction. That is why the influence of playing violent video games on the development of aggression and violent behavior in individuals has been thoroughly researched. While some studies indicate that gaming has no effect at all, or even a cathartic effect, others claim that playing violent video games is associated with increased aggression and antisocial behavior. The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of explicit violence in video games on the aggressiveness and violence of players of such games. Using various analytical methods, by exploring stereotypes, cultural factors, and the potential negative effects of playing violent video games, this comprehensive analysis challenges the incorrect preconception that video games inherently encourage real-world violence. While acknowledging certain negative effects like the promotion of a culture of competitive militarism and desensitization to violence in the real world, this paper recommends responsible gaming, parental control and guidance, and positive social influence as crucial factor in shaping moral attitudes and behavior.

Is playing violent video games a risk factor for aggressive behaviour? Adding narcissism, self-esteem and PEGI ratings to the debate.

Aggressive behaviour is a challenge for society. There continues to be considerable debate over whether the consumption of violent video games affects aggression, as violent video game content has become more accessible in recent years due to the growing use of online distribution platforms. Personality traits often linked to aggression, such as narcissism and self-esteem, have been considered in the context of violent video game play and their relationship with aggression. We surveyed an international population of 166 game players on their personality traits and their three favourite video game choices, which were classified as violent or non-violent, using Pan European Game Information (PEGI) 16 and 18 ratings. We found that violent video game choice is a predictor of verbal aggression alongside narcissism, and hostility alongside self-esteem. A categorical regression highlighted the desire to impersonate society's undesirable role models (e.g., 'be a thief or a killer') as one of the motivations for aggression and violent video game choice. These findings show that video game violence should be considered a risk factor for aggression, as in other violent media, as it provides a social reinforcement of aggressive behaviour and observational learning of aggressive models, calling for the introduction of stricter online age verification procedures on online game platforms to safeguard children from violent video game content; and increased use of parental controls on content fruition. More granularity should be considered in the PEGI classifications.