Violent videogames change self-perception

New research has found evidence that playing violent video games leads players to see themselves, and their opponents, as lacking in core human qualities such as warmth, open-mindedness, and intelligence.

The researchers also looked at whether the experience of cyber-violence had dehumanising consequences for the self-concept of game players and well as their opponents.

Study participants were opponents engaged in violent behaviour against each other in the popular game, Mortal Kombat.

The study author said the findings point to the potential long-term effects of violent video game play and suggest that repeated exposure to these dehumanising experiences may result in chronic changes in self-perception.