Opposing Altruistic and Egoistic Effects of Violent Gameplay on Social Behavior

This study proposes and tests a dual-pathway model to explain the weak effects of violent video gameplay on prosocial and antisocial outcomes. An experiment manipulated the type of gameplay (violent vs. nonviolent) and measured its distinct downstream effects on antisocial tendencies and donation behavior. The model posits that gameplay activates opposing mechanisms that counteract one another: one altruistic (through the salience of care), another egoistic (through the salience of competence). Results support the model’s structure, offering insight into how violent gameplay may simultaneously promote and suppress prosocial donation and antisocial tendencies.