Are Video Games to Blame? What's Known About the Causes of School Shooters

Contents:

• The Influence of Media and "Social Contagion"
• Violent Video Games and Real-Life Aggression
• Mental Illness and Its Stigma
• A Real Portrait of a School Shooter

Following the tragedy at a Kazan school that left nine people dead, the public is questioning the causes of the incident. In response, demands for bans or restrictions on certain activities, as well as proposals to strengthen educational efforts, immediately began. It's important to note that the aftermath of such tragedies often leads to hasty conclusions blaming computer games, social media, mental disorders, and other factors. However, mass shootings in educational institutions have been occurring for a long time, especially in the United States, where access to guns is significantly greater. This suggests that the causes of this horrific phenomenon have become the subject of serious research. We analyzed existing data to identify what may actually trigger such tragedies and what is just a myth.

Media Influence and "Social Contagion"

In 2017, Adam Lankford and Sarah Tomek conducted a study to test a hypothesis about the impact of media coverage of mass shootings on potential perpetrators. Their main idea was that the attention that killers receive from the media can encourage impressionable people to commit similar crimes. Previous research has claimed that the "contagion" effect associated with such events can last approximately 14 days. This finding underscores the importance of responsible media coverage of such tragedies and its impact on society.

To test their theory, Lankford and Tomek analyzed data from 2006 to 2013. During this time, 232 mass shootings were recorded in the United States. In the study, they focused on three key aspects:

• the average number of days between killings;
• changes in the number of days between killings;
• the proportion of incidents that occurred within 14 days of the previous killing.

No evidence of short-term "contagion" of violence in society was found. However, the researchers emphasize the risk of long-term consequences. As an example, they point to the mass shooting at Columbine High School, which occurred in 1999. In the 15 years since, this incident has inspired at least 21 actual shootings and 53 episodes that were prevented.

A 2015 study by researchers from the University of Arizona focused on analyzing the dynamics of school shootings in the United States. According to this study, shooting incidents occurred on average once every 31 days. Scientists have discovered a so-called "contagion" effect, which occurs when a shooting kills more than three people. This number of victims, they believe, increases the likelihood of copycat shootings. The researchers also noted that the frequency of mass shootings is associated not only with media coverage but also with state gun control policies. Therefore, the scientists recommend that media outlets reconsider their approach to covering such tragedies to reduce the risk of copycat shootings and minimize the negative consequences of such events.

In 2017, the non-profit organization SAVE released a guide for journalists regarding the coverage of mass shootings. The recommendations contained in this document will be useful not only for media professionals but also for anyone who disseminates information about tragic events on social media. It is important to remember the need for a responsible approach when discussing such sensitive topics to avoid further traumatization of victims and their loved ones. Ethical standards and meticulous attention to detail will help create a more humane information space.

• Keep descriptions of the perpetrators to a minimum, as others may identify with them or be inspired by their images.
• Use the perpetrator's photo sparingly, unless the police are still searching for them.
• Avoid messages that reinforce prejudice against people with mental illness. Instead, share information about the treatment and prevention of mental illness.
• Do not oversimplify or exaggerate the incident, as this may inspire people seeking notoriety. For example, don't write, "The deadliest incident since Columbine."
• Write about the victims and how others can support the victims and the families of the deceased.
• Encourage people to seek psychological help.

Violent Video Games and Real-Life Aggression

In 2015, Portuguese scientists conducted a study involving 135 people divided into two groups. One group played the video game Time Crisis 4, which contains scenes of violence, and the other played the racing simulator Need for Speed ​​SHIFT. After the gameplay, the participants were shown photographs of victims of violence in various contexts: negative, neutral, and positive. During the experiment, the researchers recorded involuntary pupil dilation in all participants, which made it possible to assess their emotional reaction to the images. This study raises important questions about the impact of video games on players' perceptions of violence and their emotional state.

Following the experiment, both groups of participants played a competitive game against each other, while the scientists analyzed their aggression levels. The results showed that Time Crisis 4 players responded more calmly to photographs depicting violence victims in a negative light, which were intended to evoke sympathy. They also demonstrated greater aggression during the competition. The scientists concluded that the negative impact of violent video games is a serious problem for society. They noted the need for further study of the impact of such games on the human psyche.

There is numerous studies confirming these findings. As early as 2000, social psychologists Craig Anderson and Karen Dill found that violent video games can contribute to aggressive behavior and lower academic performance in players. These findings continue to be widely discussed in the media and scientific circles, highlighting the importance of studying the impact of video games on the mental health and behavior of young people.

In recent years, there has been an increase in research examining the link between aggression and video games over time. In 2020, the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking published the results of a ten-year study conducted by researchers from Brigham Young University. The study focused on how passion for violent video games in early adolescence (10-13 years old) affects behavior in adulthood (20-23 years old). The study involved 500 teenagers who were divided into three groups.

• play violent video games frequently;
• play violent video games with moderate regularity;
• play violent video games rarely.

The study found that participants in the second group demonstrated the highest level of aggressive behavior. According to scientists, this is due to the fact that they continued to play regularly, albeit in smaller volumes, throughout the entire observation period. At the same time, some avid gamers from the first group significantly changed their lifestyle, which could have affected their aggressiveness.

There are studies in which scientists do not find a link between violent video games and aggression. One such study, conducted in 2018 by scientists from Oxford, surveyed 1,004 British teenagers passionate about violent video games, as well as their parents or guardians. Teens shared their recent gaming experiences, while adults rated their children's behavior over the past month. The study results showed no correlation between violent video games and aggressive behavior. This highlights the need for a more in-depth analysis of the impact of video games on the psyche and behavior of young people, as well as the importance of understanding the multiple factors influencing aggression.

In 2015, researchers from Ohio State University examined the moral implications of video game violence. Participants were asked to play the action RPG Mass Effect 2, where they had to make a crucial decision: save a human or sacrifice them for a strategic advantage in the fight against alien invaders. Most players considered saving the life to be the more moral choice. However, those who chose the sacrifice later justified their choice as more moral. The study found that decisions made in video games can predict real-life behavior. Furthermore, the scientists analyzed the participants' levels of aggression during and immediately after the game. The results showed that aggression increased only in some participants, and this effect was short-lived. These findings highlight the complex connections between gaming decisions and real-world moral values, as well as the impact video games have on players' emotional states.

A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech, Villanova University, and the University of Pennsylvania revealed interesting results regarding news reports on school shooters in the United States over the past 40 years. An analysis of more than 200,000 materials showed that the actions of white perpetrators are eight times more likely to be associated with the influence of violent video games than African-American perpetrators. The researchers noted that societal bias leads racial minorities to be more often associated with violence and aggression. As a result, media coverage of their actions is less likely to consider the influence of video games as a possible factor. This underscores the importance of an objective approach to analyzing the causes of violence and the need to challenge stereotypes in the public consciousness.

Interpreting the results of research on aggression is challenging because the phenomenon itself is difficult to measure. Even studies published during similar periods can differ significantly in their conclusions and results. This is due to the diversity of methods used by scientists, as well as the formulation of hypotheses, which can significantly influence the final results. Therefore, to more accurately understand aggression, it is necessary to consider the methodological features of each study.

The main problem lies in the misinterpretation of scientific research results. The media often claim that video games contribute to increased aggression, which, in turn, leads to violent actions such as school shootings. This assertion is too bold, especially considering that even scientists who are inclined to consider video games harmful do not draw such categorical conclusions. Aggression in itself is not an indicator of criminal behavior. Emotions generated by gaming do not necessarily lead to violent actions. It is important to take a more careful approach to analyzing the impact of video games on adolescent behavior and avoid simplistic conclusions.

Mental Illness and Its Stigma

In February 2021, researchers from Columbia University presented the results of an analysis of 14,785 homicides that occurred worldwide from 1900 to 2019. This study identified 1,315 cases of mass killings. Interestingly, only 8% of shooters had been diagnosed with serious mental disorders. The study's authors emphasize that when determining risk factors for mass shootings, too much emphasis is placed on serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or affective disorders. This creates the risk of stigmatizing people suffering from such illnesses. It is important to rethink the approach to analyzing the causes of violence and consider a broader range of factors that can contribute to such tragic events.

In 2001, Jay Meloy, a psychology professor at the University of California, and his colleagues conducted a study that analyzed the experiences of 27 young mass shooters, with an average age of 17. The results showed that 23% of them sought help from mental health professionals, but only 6% had a formal diagnosis at the time of the crime. This study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and mental health care in preventing violence.

In the United States, after every mass shooting, there is a tendency to make changes to gun control laws. Often, new restrictions apply exclusively to people with diagnosed mental disorders. Thus, the government effectively reinforces the stereotype that "sick people" pose the main threat. However, it ignores other, more significant factors that contribute to gun violence. Effective measures to prevent shootings must consider a broad range of causes, including social, economic, and cultural aspects, rather than focusing solely on mental health.

The Real Portrait of a School Shooter

Shooters are often motivated by resentment, frustration, and a desire for revenge. Research shows that more than 80% of those who commit school attacks have been subjected to psychological pressure, bullying, and group harassment, which is a manifestation of bullying. These factors highlight the importance of preventing violence in educational institutions and the need to create a safe and supportive environment for all students. Understanding the causes underlying such tragic events can help develop effective programs to prevent bullying and improve the psycho-emotional climate in schools.

There are cases of school shooters coming from quite prosperous families. Russian researchers Denis Davydov and Kirill Khlomov analyzed and summarized American statistical data, as a result of which they identified key characteristics of people who commit mass murders in educational institutions. These signs can help in understanding the causes of such tragedies and in developing measures to prevent violence in schools.

• Most of the perpetrators of the attacks had a fairly large social network. Only 12% did not have close friends, and about 34% were socially isolated.
• In some situations, the shooters were quite sociable and even popular among their peers.
• Loss of status and the destruction of relationships can be a strong trigger, since the teenager has “nothing to lose.”
• In 81% of cases, the shooters announced their intentions before committing the crime - most often they told classmates or published corresponding posts on social media.

Davydov and Khlomov emphasize that assessing the likelihood of an attack on a school is a complex task. Its solution requires a comprehensive analysis that takes into account not only the individual characteristics of the teenager, but also his relationships with his family and peers. The psychological climate of the school and cultural aspects specific to a particular region, including social values, ideas, and perceptions, are also important. This multifaceted approach allows for more accurate risk prediction and the development of effective measures to prevent violence in educational institutions. Research shows that one of the causes of school shootings is the insufficient attention of teachers and school administrators to the social and emotional needs of students. Instead of focusing on the holistic development of students, educational institutions often focus exclusively on academics. This neglect can lead to students being left without support during difficult times, which in turn can contribute to tragic consequences. It is important for schools to begin considering not only educational aspects but also the psychological state and social needs of their students. Rework the text while staying on topic. Optimize it for SEO while maintaining the core content. Do not add unnecessary elements, such as emoticons or special characters. Avoid structuring the text as lists. Prepare only blank text. Read also:

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