The psychological effects of videogames on young people: A review

Research has indicated that most young people spend more time watching screen media than in any other activity apart from sleeping (Strasberg, 2004). In Ireland, a large longitudinal study of children has indicated that over half of nine-year old children are playing videogames daily, while the international adolescence literature indicates that the rate of game play is growing year on year (Gentile, 2008). There is a concern that the effects of videogame playing are larger than the effects observed with television and film viewing (Anderson, Gentile & Buckley, 2007), and that children and young people may be at a greater risk of negative effects as a consequence of exposure to violent videogames. This literature review aims to explore the role and impact of videogames in the lives of young people within a technological society, and how this impact can occur. The exposure of young people to violent videogames may be viewed within the context of risk factors for the development of aggression, and as such an understanding of the research within this area may be paramount to allow a full consideration of levels of “exposure” to such a risk. Variables that may impact on the usage and effects of violent video game use are discussed, such as developmental stages, gender, individual characteristics, culture and game structure and content. Recommendations from key research in relation to monitoring of video game usage are also discussed.