New research finds link between violent video games and biological systems

A new study is out on the effect of violent video games. Unlike other studies though, this one doesn’t offer conclusions like “violent video games is teh evilz.” Their study only offers what the data says: violent video games has a higher effect on heart rate than non-violent ones, lasting even into sleep.

Details after the link.

A new study is out on the effect of violent video games. “Oh no, not another one” I bet you’re thinking.

Unlike other studies though, this one doesn’t offer conclusions like “violent video games is teh evilz.” Their study only offers what the data says, with a methodology that’s direct to the point and simple, if a little limited in scope and test groups.

Their study asked boys aged 12-15 to play two different video games at home in the evening, one violent, and one with ponies non-violent. Monitoring their heart rate, they found that the violent game had a higher effect on heart rate than non-violent ones, lasting even into sleep.

While the boys themselves said that they didn’t sleep poorly after playing the violent games, the results suggest that the biological system is affected – to a degree – by violent video games without us even being aware of it.

The study offers no conclusions as to the long term effects, but it does give a definite link to violent video games and biological functions. Mental links are a different matter altogether, despite what Jack Thompson would have you think.

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Via Science Daily