For years, there has been a debate surrounding the connection between video games and gun violence. Stanford Researchers’ meticulous review really left no stone unturned. Their comprehensive analysis of 82 medical research articles, covering a wide range of studies, has revealed an important truth: no causal link exists between playing video games and real-life gun violence.
This is not to say that violent games and specifically their social elements cannot be used to radicalize players. But it does provide clear evidence that the play element of action video games, including violence, does not result in real world violence.
When coupled with research showing action games produce far and away the best mental health benefits, it is time for us to revisit this conversation using facts to guide us. Â
