Study Reveals Trilateral Outcomes in Video Game Play
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Personality Traits and Aggression: The study delves into the complex relationship between personality traits and aggressive behaviors in the context of video game choice.
- Unfriendly Game Preference: Players who favor unfriendly video games tend to display elevated verbal aggression and hostility, shedding light on the influence of game choice.
- Narcissism and Aggression: Higher levels of narcissism are linked to increased anger, physical aggression, and verbal aggression, emphasizing the role of personality in aggression.
- Low Self-Esteem and Hostility: Those with lower self-esteem tend to exhibit higher levels of hostility, indicating the significance of self-perception in aggression.
- No Causal Relationship: While the study reveals these associations, it does not establish a causal link between playing unfriendly video games and real-life aggression. This highlights the need for further research and a nuanced understanding of the impact of video games on behavior.
NOTE: “unfriendly” used in this context means “violent”
Video Game As a Culture
Video games, an integral part of modern digital culture, offer players a wide array of experiences. This is from action-packed thrillers to serene simulations.
Among the many debates that have surrounded this form of entertainment, the question of whether unfriendly video games contribute to aggressive behavior has garnered significant attention.
Recent research published in Frontiers in Psychology explores the complex relationship between personality traits, game choice and aggression.
The widespread popularity of video games has led to ongoing discussions about their potential impact on players’ behavior.
These debates have yielded mixed results in previous studies. Some suggested that playing violent video games might lead to aggressive thoughts and actions, while others found no substantial evidence to support this claim.
In light of these divergent findings and recognizing the influence of personality traits on human behavior, a research team sought to unravel the intricate connection between the types of video games people play and their levels of narcissism, self-esteem and aggression.
Their aim was to investigate whether the choice of video games could influence aggressive tendencies in individuals and how personality traits factored into the equation.
This study involved 166 participants, a diverse group consisting of 113 males and 53 females with an average age of 25.2 years.
The researchers recruited these individuals from online platforms like Reddit and Discord, where they voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. The key inclusion criterion was that participants actively played video games.
Unfriendly Video Games
The research began with a basic questionnaire. The participants provided information about their age, gender, country of origin.
Also, the amount of time they spent playing video games each week. Subsequently, they underwent a series of psychological assessments designed to explore their personalities and aggression levels.
These assessments were presented in a counterbalanced order to reduce potential order effects.
To measure aggression levels, the researchers employed the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, which included 29 items across four dimensions: physical aggression , verbal aggression, anger and hostility.
Narcissism levels were assessed using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16, while self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
Additionally, the researchers used the Gaming Instinctual Motivational Scale to investigate the motivations behind participants’ engagement with video games.
Participants also reported their three favorite video game. The researchers classified these games as either unfriendly or friendly based on their PEGI (Pan European Game Information) ratings.
If PEGI ratings were unavailable, they used ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) ratings or gameplay observations to determine the level of violence in the games.
Our Findings
One of the central findings of the study was that the choice of video games indeed correlated with aggression levels. Individuals who played more unfriendly video games tended to display higher levels of verbal aggression and hostility.
This insight suggests that the content of the games can influence aggressive tendencies in players.
The study also revealed a connection between heightened narcissism and higher levels of anger, physical aggression and verbal aggression.
Conversely, individuals with low self-esteem, reflecting their self-perception, exhibited higher levels of hostility.
The researchers highlighted that the preference for unfriendly video games did not act as a mediator between narcissism or self-esteem and aggression.
This indicated that personality traits and game choice independently contributed to aggressive behavior.
Interestingly, the research found that the motivation to “be a thief or killer” in video games was strongly associated with increased aggression levels.
Individuals who were drawn to games allowing them to assume such roles tended to display higher levels of aggression.
This suggests that some players engage in unfriendly video games to immerse themselves in roles that society generally deems unacceptable, potentially seeking a form of escapism.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The study underscores the complexity of the relationship between personality traits, video game choice and aggression.
While it does not establish a causal relationship between playing unfriendly video games and real-life aggression, it emphasizes the need to consider personality traits when examining the potential effects of these games.
Moreover, it highlights the importance of continuing research in this area, especially regarding the motivations behind choosing violent video games and their unique impact on individuals.
As a whole, the study encourages more informed decisions by parents about their children’s exposure to unfriendly video games and promotes a nuanced approach to the study of video games’ impact on behavior, emphasizing content exposure rather than mere screen time.
However, while video games remain a popular form of entertainment, the study serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the choice of games and personality traits in understanding their potential effects on individuals.
Relationship between video games and lifestyle
Maintaining a harmonious relationship between video games and your lifestyle is vital to ensure that gaming remains a pleasurable and enriching part of your existence without compromising your overall well-being. Here, we offer some distinctive strategies for achieving this equilibrium:
Assess Your Values: Begin by evaluating your values and priorities, then allot time for video games accordingly. Ensure that your commitments to work, education, and personal relationships receive the attention they deserve.
Craft a Gaming Schedule: Design a schedule that specifically designates time for gaming. This method of setting aside dedicated hours for gaming helps prevent it from dominating your entire day.
Gaming as a Motivational Tool: Employ gaming as an incentive for completing tasks or reaching milestones in other areas of your life. This not only boosts your productivity but also fosters responsibility.
Set Clear Gaming Limits: Establish daily or weekly limitations on your gaming hours. Sticking to these boundaries serves as a protective measure against excessive gaming.
Embrace Physical Activity: Cultivate a lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise and physical pursuits. This not only enhances your physical health but also provides a refreshing break from extended gaming sessions.
Prioritize Genuine Social Bonds: Commit to nurturing and preserving real-life social connections with friends and family. Make sure that video games do not supplant the value of authentic social interactions in your life.
The relationship between these factors and aggression is undoubtedly intricate, but ongoing research is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.