There’s not enough evidence to support a link between violent behaviour and violent video games, the American Psychological Association (APA) said in a statement last week.
“Violence is a complex social problem that likely stems from many factors that warrant attention from researchers, policymakers and the public,” said APA President, Sandra L. Shullman PhD, as part of a recent review of a report on the subject created in 2015.
“Attributing violence to video gaming is not scientifically sound and draws attention away from other factors, such as a history of violence, which we know from the research is a major predictor of future violence.”
The 2015 resolution does affirm “there is a small, reliable association between violent video game use and aggressive outcomes, such as yelling and pushing,” but that “research findings are difficult to extend to more violent outcomes.”
You can read the APA’s updated resolution here.
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