Stop or Go? Playing Violent Games Reduces Inhibitory Control in Adolescents

Abstract

Despite growing body of research on video games effect on enhanced cognitive functioning, a relationship between violent video game exposure (VVGE) and inhibitory control is still poorly understood. Investigating inhibitory control mechanisms in relation to VVGE may help to better explain processes underlying aggression. This holds especially for adolescent players, who often play M-rated violent video games, and whose ability to inhibit responses is still developing. In two studies performed in adolescent samples we examined how habitual VVGE may be related to inhibitory control (Study 1; N = 151) and whether inhibitory control can be affected by 30-minute violent video gameplay (Study 2; N = 63). Inhibitory control in both studies was measured with well-validated Stop-Signal Task. Results of the Study 1 showed that VVGE was related lower inhibitory control. Results of the experimental Study 2 supported a causal relationship: participants who played a violent video game showed reduced inhibitory control compared to those who played a non-violent game. Our findings bring new theoretical and empirical insights into violent video games research and highlight the importance of studying inhibitory control as a possible mechanism underlying aggression in adolescents. Based on the current correlational and experimental evidence, future studies should also investigate long-term effects on VVGE on development of inhibitory control in adolescents.