Title

The influence of violent video games on criminal behaviour is an issue that is affected by a wide range of social, environmental and individual factors. With advancements in technology, immersive video game experiences that are becoming drastically more realistic. As a result, concerns have been raised that prolonged exposure to violent video games may be de-sensitising those who are playing them to real-world violence. This study aimed to provide a clear understanding of the potential influence of violent video games on criminal behaviour amongst young people. A comprehensive search strategy was developed with the use of specific keywords related to the research question. Analysis of these studies produced a variety of conclusions; some believed that consumption of violent video games could result in young people committing crimes, while evidence from analysis of the General Aggression Model suggests that this model is an effective tool when used as a predictor for both aggression and aggressive behaviour within young people. An excess of questionnaire-based studies means that the results are hard to generalise across large populations, an increase in longitudinal studies would therefore be beneficial in this area. Whilst the evidence is not conclusive that violent video games cause young people to commit crimes, it could be argued that violent video games cause increased aggression. This, combined with other external factors, could cause criminal behaviour amongst young people. The effects of other external factors, such as a young person’s family situation and peer groups need to be investigated further.