Focus & Method
Researchers wanted to learn more from children about how they experience game rage (rage caused by video games). They collected data from interviews and essays from 31 children about how and why they experience this.(1)
Findings
What caused game rage:
- Repeatedly failing (making mistakes, “dying” in the game, losing to others)
- Incompetent teammates or cheating opponents
- Technical problems (poor internet connection or other issues with the games)
- Interruptions caused by everyday activities (eating, homework, etc).(1)
- The type of game played
- The gaming environment (other players)
- Daily life troubles (1)
Why it matters
Many computer games include violence. Some studies have found a connection between violent games and aggression. However it seems that there is no consensus on whether video games cause aggression yet.(1)
A survey by Time2Play of over 1,000 adult gamers has found that over half of gamers experience game rage daily or weekly. Some have also broken something (keyboard, controller, monitor) or lashed out at a loved one out of anger while gaming.(2)
If video games do cause increased aggression, knowing this is important especially for people who experience it. If regularly experience game rage, you may want to make some changes. You can try to spend less time playing, play different games or find some healthier coping mechanisms.
Do you want to learn more from psychology studies?
I’ve created the online magazine “Study Spotlight” to make it easy for you to learn from recent research studies. In each issue, I present new studies in a way that’s accessible and aesthetic.
Sign up now to start learning from 8 issues!