So, social psychologist Albert Bandura performed a couple of experiments in the 1960s, and he proposed that aggressive behaviour can be learnt. Basically, in experimental group he had kids watch an adult physically and verbally assault a Bobo doll. Kids in control group watched an adult play with other toys while the Bobo doll was left untouched. Then, kids from both groups played with some toys from a different room, until they were no longer allowed (this was done to build up frustration). Instead they were offered to play with toys in a room, where the Bobo doll and some other toys were. The results concluded that kids in experimental group showed more aggressive behaviour towards the Bobo doll. In a different experiment he also concluded that aggressive behaviour can be learnt trough cartoons or movies. [Here’s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobo_doll_experiment) a link to a more detailed explanation.
So my question is, how is it possible that there are apparently no newer and stronger links between violent games/movies and violent behaviour, especially since games/movies are getting more realistic?
In: Other
I believe the key difference is the fact that it’s an adult (therefore a potential role model) making the aggression versus a video game creating an image of aggression.
Kids see an adult act violently, they see that it’s ok to do so in a real life scenario. Their role model did the action, so it must be fine!
On the other hand, even kids can tell the difference between a video game and real life. They know that the acts of aggression aren’t real, and they. certainly aren’t being conducted by a real role model.
Latest Answers