What effects do violent video games have on adolescent boys who play them? Lindsay LaRoche University of Cincinnati, (CECH/Secondary Education Social Studies) Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that violent video games have on adolescent boy’s thoughts and behaviors. I was interested on the effect that video games have on youth in terms of aggressive behavior or thoughts, desensitization to violence, and decreased empathy while at the same time curious about how they may benefit adolescents in terms of socialization and experimenting with emotions. Background Literature There is no agreed upon definition of what is considered problem video game play. There are also no clear boundaries between normal and excessive playing. This makes studies vary due to different definitions of problem video game play. Previous research has mainly been done on negative aspects of video games on adolescent boy’s behaviors. In looking at school shootings like that of Columbine, the shooters had played violent video games. However, other studies have shown that outside factors also can play into why an adolescent may display behavioral issues so it is hard to say that the effect that video games specifically have on them. Different studies finding vary on other similar issues like attention span, family closeness, and empathy in terms of video game play. Methods I chose to do research, observations, and surveys to try to find an answer to my research question. Since most studies are about the negative aspects, I wanted to find research that focused on positive aspects as well. In terms of observations, I wanted to observe adolescent boys before, during, and after video game play to see how a boy’s behavior differed. I also asked the boys questions about their game play and how they felt about them to understand their aspect. Professional Implications As an educator, I will have to interact with adolescent boys who may have behavioral issues so it is good to know reasons why they may act the way that they do. Since video games are such a huge part of many adolescent boy’s lives, it is helpful to consider that as being a reason that my students may act the way that they do. References Adachi, P. C., & Willoughby, T. (2013). Do Video Games Promote Positive Youth Development?. Journal of Adolescent Research, 28(2), Olson, C.K., Kutner, L. A., & Warner, D. E. (2008). The Role of Violent Video Game Content in Adolescent Development. Journal of Adolescent Research, 23(1), Turner, N. Paglia-Boak, A., Ballon, B., Cheung, J., Adlaf, E., Henderson, J., &…Mann, R. (2012). Prevalence of Problematic Video Gaming among Ontario Adolescents. International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction, 10(6), Results I found that results varied dramatically when it comes to researchers. While some believe that video games are what cause violent behaviors, others feel that violent behaviors are driven by outside forces. Some studies found that boys who play video games are more detached from parents and peers while some found that they had closer relationships. Some found that video game players do worse in school while others found they do better. From my observations I found that video games can indeed be a distraction from homework and chores. I also found slight behavioral differences from before, during, and after game play in terms of language used and activity levels. The boys tended to be more vulgar and hyper after playing than they were before. My survey had similar results as the studies that I researched. The boys claimed that they knew the difference between the video game and reality. They said they found it to be a good way to socialize with friends and take their minds off the stress of school. From my research, observations, and studies I find that video games can have both negative and positive effects on adolescent boys. Outside influences also play a part in whether the adolescent will exhibit aggressive thoughts or behaviors. If video game play is monitored then it shouldn’t be an issue. Why I Chose This Topic I chose this topic because of the prevalence of video games in our culture today. While many of my male peers play video games, they are older than the suggested age limit for the games. I know that there are kids that are also playing these Mature rated games while they are still in elementary school. This is a somewhat new phenomenon so I was interested in what kind of effects these games would have on the youth that play them as they get older.