Videogame Violence Affects Brain Function

Teens who play violent video games experience decreased activity in parts of the brain associated with control and concentration and increased activity in the areas linked to emotional arousal, a study by Indiana University researchers shows.

Comparing two groups of 13- to 17-year-olds without prior behavioral problems, scientists found that those who played a T-rated military combat game showed decreased blood flow to prefontal portions of the brain associated with self-control and increased activity in the emotion-linked amygdala in later brain scans. The other group of teens, who played a likewise exciting but non-violent game did not show such effects.

"What we showed is there is an increase in emotional arousal. The fight or flight response is activated after playing a violent video game," [lead author Dr. Vincent] Mathews said.

Read more: Violent video game effects linger in brain