Does Video Game Use Promote Aggression?

Effects of Frequent Viewing of Violent Depictions and Moderating Role of Cognitive Reflection on Junior High School Students

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effect of frequent viewing of violent depictions in video games as well as the amount of video game usage on aggression. W e conducted a panel study with a total of 790 junior high school students in 2004 and 2005. A multiple regression model was constructed in order to examine the causal relationship between video game use and aggression. The results indicated that the more they played video games, the more their aggression decreased, and while the more they viewed violent contents, the more their physical aggression increased. In addition, the role of cognitive reflections in moderating the effects of video game usage was reviewed.