“Kill the Enemy”: Can Violence be Learned in Children by Activating Mirror Neurons Through Video Games?

Abstract

The impact of Violent Video Games (VVGs) on childhood development remains a subject of debate. While virtual reality has shown promise in enhancing social cognition through mirror neuron activation, concerns persist regarding the potential for video games to foster learned aggression, particularly in the absence of empathic or punitive feedback. Evidence regarding short-term desensitization effects is mixed, and long-term studies are scarce. Importantly, most existing research focuses on individuals exposed to video games after the age of eight, overlooking critical developmental periods marked by heightened neural plasticity. Early childhood exposure to violent content may be influenced by insecure attachment patterns, and this interaction may have consequences in socio-emotional learning. Factors, such as hyperactivity and parental absence, may further correlate with these effects. Despite these concerns, the presence of engaged caregivers has been shown to mitigate potential harm. There is an urgent need for longitudinal research and policies that promote responsible, adult-mediated video game use in early childhood.