10 Reasons Why Video Games Cause Violence

This kind of comment is everywhere online — and it reflects what many gamers believe: video games don’t make people violent.
But not everyone agrees.

Some parents worry that shooting games make violence look fun. Others point to school shootings and wonder if gaming played a part. Researchers are still debating the details. Meanwhile, public opinion is shaped by news headlines, political speeches, and emotional reactions — not always by evidence.

So why do some people believe violent games are dangerous? And are they right to worry?

Let’s start by breaking down 10 of the most common reasons people give when they argue that video games cause violence.

• Table Of Contents
• Part 1. Do Video Games Cause Violence: 10 Common Beliefs
• Part 2. What Does Research Really Say About Video Game Violence?
• Part 3. When Gaming Is Actually Good for You
• Part 4. The Real Issue: Isolation, Not Just Violence

PART 1. Do Video Games Cause Violence: 10 Common Beliefs

Before diving into what science actually says, it helps to understand why so many people still believe that video games cause violence. These beliefs don’t come from nowhere — they’re shaped by personal experience, parenting fears, media coverage, and everyday observations.

Here are 10 of the most common arguments people make:

• 1. Violence earns rewards in many games
  In popular games, you gain points, achievements, or status by fighting, shooting, or killing. This can make violent behavior feel exciting and positive — especially to younger players who are still learning right from wrong.

• 2. Kids tend to copy what they see
  Parents often refer to Bandura’s famous experiment, where children imitated adults hitting a doll after watching them do it. Many worry the same thing happens with video games — that kids will act out what they see on screen.

• 3. Repeated exposure can numb reactions to violence
  Playing violent games for hours might not turn someone into a criminal — but it could make real-world violence feel less shocking. Some believe this emotional "numbing" is a problem on its own.

• 4. Games can fuel frustration and aggression
  Fast-paced multiplayer matches can be stressful. Losing repeatedly or facing toxic players may trigger anger, insults, or even physical outbursts — especially in teens or people with poor emotional control.

• 5. Excessive gaming can lead to isolation
  Some players retreat into games for hours or even days, avoiding family, school, or social life. For critics, this isolation is a warning sign — not just of addiction, but of emotional detachment that may lead to deeper problems.

• 6. Young kids may not understand what’s "just a game"
  Adults know the difference between fantasy and reality. But for a 7-year-old playing a realistic shooter, that line may be blurrier — especially if parents aren't watching closely.

• 7. News reports often link shooters to gaming habits
  When a violent crime makes headlines, media outlets sometimes highlight that the suspect played violent games — even if there's no real proof of a connection. Still, the pattern shapes public fear.

• 8. Gaming is part of a culture that glorifies violence
  It’s not just video games — violent movies, shows, and music all contribute to a culture where aggression is entertaining. Games are often seen as just one part of that bigger picture.

• 9. Some research shows small links to aggression
  Although the effect is debated, studies have found that violent games can temporarily increase aggressive thoughts or mood. Some worry this could push vulnerable people closer to harmful actions.

• 10. People with emotional struggles may be more affected
  For someone dealing with anger, depression, or trauma, violent games might not just be entertainment — they could amplify dark thoughts or serve as a dangerous outlet if there’s no support system around.

PART 2. What Does Research Really Say About Video Game Violence?

While public debate can be loud and emotional, the research tells a quieter, more nuanced story. Over the past two decades, hundreds of studies have looked into whether violent video games actually cause real-world violence — and the short answer is: not really.

Here’s what the science generally agrees on:

• Small, short-term effects do exist— such as increased irritability or aggressive thoughts right after playing certain violent games.
• No solid link to real-world violence — like assault, school shootings, or crime.
• Context matters — not everyone responds the same way to violent content.

In fact, many researchers warn against confusing aggression (like feeling angry or competitive) with violence (real physical harm). The two are not the same — and headlines often blur that line.

Importantly, meta-analyses — large reviews of multiple studies — consistently show that if there’s any effect, it’s too small and inconsistent to claim that games "cause" violence. The American Psychological Association (APA) has also made this point clear in both its 2015 and 2020 reports.

So why do people still believe otherwise? Part of the answer is emotional — tied to fear, parenting concerns, and how tragedies are reported. But there’s another side of gaming that often gets overlooked.

PART 3. When Gaming Is Actually Good for You

Not all gaming is harmful — in fact, when used in the right way, video games can offer real benefits, even for mental health.

Possible Positive Effects of Gaming:

• Stress relief – Fast-paced action games can provide a safe outlet for frustration or tension.
• Emotional regulation – For some players, gaming works like deep breathing or journaling — a tool to calm down.
• Social connection – Multiplayer games foster teamwork, communication, and even friendship.
• Focus and resilience – Challenging games help build problem-solving skills and persistence.

However, these benefits come with one condition: balance.

Games are most helpful when they’re:

• Played in moderation
• Not used as a way to avoid real-life problems
• Combined with offline social or physical activity

The problem isn’t usually the game itself — it’s how and why people play. That’s the real turning point, and it leads us into the next issue: what happens when gaming becomes excessive or isolating.

PART 4. The Real Issue: Isolation, Not Just Violence

After reading all the arguments and research, a clearer pattern begins to emerge: violence in games may not be the main problem — but how people use games can be.

Games, especially competitive or fast-paced ones, can pull players into long sessions where:

• They ignore family or school responsibilities
• They avoid real-life problems or difficult emotions
• They become more irritable, sleep-deprived, or disconnected from others

And that’s where the real risk may lie: when games replace real relationships, routines, and support systems, players can become more vulnerable — emotionally, socially, even physically.

Helping Parents Spot the Warning Signs: VigilKids

For families trying to understand what’s happening in their child’s digital life, tools like VigilKids offer a way to stay informed — without being over-controlling.

With VigilKids, parents can:

• See what types of games or apps their child is using
• Track screen time and usage patterns
• Get alerts if signs of unhealthy behavior appear (e.g. late-night activity, sudden spikes in usage)
• Start conversations based on facts, not guesswork

Try it Now

It’s not about banning games — it’s about protecting connection. When parents have context, they can offer support instead of just saying "turn it off."

Conclusion

Video games don’t cause violence on their own — but they can reflect or reinforce problems that already exist. Instead of blaming the game, it’s more useful to understand the person playing it.