Latest Oxford study shows that violent games are not associated with violent behavior

Studies from the UK’s Oxford University show that violent games are not related to violent behaviors of teenagers.

In the study, 1,004 adolescents participated and their parents were interviewed. Their game experience is also evaluated from different perspectives. The study hypothesized that the amount of time playing violent video games is associated with violent behavior and also social isolation – but this hypothesis is not true.

“The idea that violent video games lead to violent behavior is quite common, but it has not been clearly tested in recent times,” said Professor Andrew Przybylski of the University of Oxford. “While the topic appeals to parents and politicians, the study found no cause for concern. Part of the problem lies in research technology: there are too many ways to analyze the same type of data, leading to different results… The modality of this study has shown no correlation between violence and video games.”

Conclusions from Oxford show that playing violent video games does not increase violent behavior. That result means the two are unrelated.

Overall, there’s nothing to worry about. Playing first-person shooters, fighting games, and MOBAs shouldn’t really affect your violent behavior in the long run. However, you may suffer from competition, provocation or discomfort from playing too poorly. As long as you know how to control yourself, there is nothing to worry about.

You can read the full report on the study at this Royal Society Open Science.