Violent videogamer? Could be your genes

They found that children with the particular gene variant were far more likely to watch violent TV shows and play games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty.

They found that children with the particular gene variant were far more likely to watch violent TV shows and play games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty.

Published Feb 27, 2014

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London - A “violence” gene turns some children into videogame “junkies” - and could also be linked to ADHD.

Young people who played more violent videogames and watched more brutal TV shows shared a particular gene, research has found.

The study involved more than 1 600 Dutch parents of children aged five to nine.

Parents recorded how much violent media children were exposed to and researchers took DNA samples of children at birth.

They found that children with the particular gene variant were far more likely to watch violent TV shows and play games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call Of Duty.

Previous studies have shown that children are in part influenced by what their parents watch.

However, this is the first study to look at the possible genetic influence of what children choose to watch.

Experts believe a variation in a serotonin transporter gene may cause children to enjoy violent media.

And the same children have a higher likelihood of suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dr Sanne Nikkelen, from the University of Amsterdam, said: “Our results indicate that children’s violent media use is partly influenced by genetic factors.

“This could mean that children with this gene variant are more likely to seek out stimulating activities, such as violent television viewing and videogame playing.

“It is important to study the relationship between media use and ADHD-related behaviours.

“This is because children who show increased ADHD-related behaviours often face peer and academic difficulties and are at increased risk for substance abuse.

“Examining factors that may contribute to the development of these behaviours is essential.”

Last year, researchers at the University of Missouri found that children with an autism spectrum disorder spend about twice as much time playing videogames as those who do not have a developmental disability.

Researchers also found that children with an autism spectrum disorder or ADHD are at an increased risk of gaming addictions, compared to children without the disabilities.

“What we found is that it looks like addictive gaming is largely driven by inattention,” researcher Christopher Engelhardt said. - Daily Mail

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