POSTED:
1904 GMT (0304 HKT), November 28, 2006
Study: Violent video game effects linger in brain-
CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) -- Teens who play violent video games show increased activity in areas of the brain linked to emotional arousal and decreased responses in regions that govern self-control, a study released on Tuesday found.The study
used functional magnetic resonance imaging to record tiny metabolic changes in
brain activity in 44 adolescents who were asked to perform a series of tasks
after playing either a violent or nonviolent video game for 30 minutes.
The children, with no history of behavior problems, ranged in age
from 13 to 17. Half played a T-rated first-person shooter game called "Medal of Honor: Frontline," involving military combat, while the
other group played a nonviolent game called "Need for Speed:
Underground."
Those who
played the violent video game showed more activation in the amygdala,
which is involved in emotional arousal, and less activation in the prefrontal
portions of the brain associated with control, focus and concentration than the
teens who played the nonviolent game.
"Our
study suggests that playing a certain type of violent video game may have
different short-term effects on brain function than playing a nonviolent, but
exciting, game," said Dr. Vincent Mathews, a professor of radiology at
Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis
and the study's author.
After playing
the games, the children completed tasks requiring concentration and processing
of emotional stimuli while their brain activity was scanned. Alterations in
brain function reflecting changes in blood flow appeared as brightly colored
areas on the magnetic resonance images.
"What we
showed is there is an increase in emotional arousal. The fight or flight
response is activated after playing a violent video game," Mathews said.
The $13
billion U.S. video game
industry, with revenue rivaling Hollywood box
office sales, is at the center of a cultural battle over violent content.
Lawmakers' various attempts to ban the sale of violent video games to children
have been blocked by courts in Louisiana, Illinois, California. Michigan and Minnesota.
Video games
with a T-rating (for Teen) are considered suitable for ages 13 and older. They
may contain violent content, strong language or suggestive themes.
Numerous
behavioral and cognitive studies have linked exposure to violent media and
aggressive behavior. Now, researchers are using advanced imaging technology to
scan the brain for clues to whether violent video games cause increases in
aggression.
Mathews said
he hopes to conduct additional studies on the long-term effects on brain
function of exposure to violent video games.
1.
What
is the Authors PURPOSE of this article?
2.
Is
it true that all kids who play violent video games lose their self control?
3.
What
do California, Michigan
and Minnesota
have in common?
4.
How
old were the kids in this study ?
5.
What
is a “T” rating on video games ?
6.
Should
kids be allowed to play video games at all ?
7.
Should
there be a “time limit” on the amount of time spent playing video games ?
8.
What
is your opinion of the article ?