Computer Games and behaviour

In a recent article on BBC Collective, Daniel Etherington questions whether violent computer games can influence behaviour.

I agree with Daniel that the issue lacks proper research. But we also live in a scapegoating culture. Violence is such an irrational act that we seem to need explanations for it - and someone, or something, to blame. Just as comic books were partially blamed for delinquency in 1950s America, the media (TV and the internet) have now been put in the dock for promulgating violence and other crimes against society.

But it does seem clear that games can cause reactions (boosting adrenaline levels, for example). A vivid example was given on a recent TV programme about sleep disorders. One guy who played console games a lot would often wake up in the night and shoot at imaginary enemies through his bedroom window.

As a species, we have a preponderance for violence, but it's clearly too early to say whether computer games and other media and reprogramming susceptible brains to increase that potential.