Cited by 237Bullying, Victimization, and AggressionDigital Games and MediaImpact of Technology on Adolescents

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Twenty-Five Years of Research on Violence in Digital Games and Aggression: Empirical Evidence, Perspectives, and a Debate Gone Astray

Elson, Malte, Ferguson, Christopher J.·2014·European Psychologist

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Abstract

Violence in digital games has been a source of controversy in the scientific community and general public. Over two decades of research have examined this issue. However, much of this research has been undercut by methodological limitations and ideological statements that go beyond what scientific evidence could support. We review 25 years of experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal, and meta-analytical research in this field. Empirical evidence regarding the impact of violent digital games on player aggression is, at best, mixed and cannot support unambiguous claims that such games are harmful or represent a public health crisis. Rather, indulgence in such claims risked damage to the credibility of games effects research, credibility which can only be restored through better empirical research and more conservative and careful statements by scholars. We encourage the field to engage in a responsible dialog and constructive debate that could continue to be enriching and invigorating.

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Authors: Elson, M., & Ferguson, C. J.
Affiliations: University of Münster (DE)
Stetson University (US)
ORCID: Elson, Malte
Ferguson, Christopher J.
Venue: European Psychologist
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Published: 2014-01-01
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Pages: 33-46
ISSN: 1016-9040 (ISSN-L)
1878-531X
DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000147
OpenAlex: W2116610197
Cited by: 237
References: 119
Citations by year: 2026: 9 · 2025: 44 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 12
FWCI: 31.52
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: European Psychologist (publishedVersion)
Bern Open Repository and Information System (University of Bern) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Digital Games and Media
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Keywords: violent video games, aggression, video games, media influence, research credibility, methodological limitations

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Twenty-Five Years of Research on Violence in Digital Games and Aggression: Empirical Evidence, Perspectives, and a Debate Gone Astray

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