Brain Activity and Aggressive Behavior of Online Gamers

Research has shown mixed results in studies of online gaming and its effects, including aggression. The purpose of the current study is to examine the effects of a violent and non-violent games on aggression levels and brain activity. Forty-seven participants completed online questionnaires during pre- and post-gaming. During gaming, participants were randomly assigned to play either an action survival game or puzzle game. A mobile electroencephalography (EEG) recording device was used to record brain activity. Questionnaire results show significant positive correlations between problematic online gaming and aggression. The sub-dimensions of immersion, overuse, and physical aggression showed a tendency to increase in the violent condition, while social isolation decreased in the nonviolent condition. EEG data revealed some distinctions between the conditions. Frontal asymmetry analyses showed withdrawal-related activation throughout the experiment. Findings obtained suggest a behavioral and neurological distinction in playing different types of games.