MICHIGAN-A recent study published in the January issue of Psychology of Violence showed that video games about terrorism can incite violence against Arab Americans, even when they don’t appear in the games.   

According to Muniba Saleem, a researcher from the University of Michigan, and the co-author of the study, the findings suggest parents, among others should consider the harmful impact of video games about terrorism, and how they impact the perception of Arab Americans who have experienced hate and prejudice since 9/11.     

The study included 204 participants who were assigned to play one of three video games for 30 minutes. One of the games was a non-violent golf game, and the other two were versions of “Counter-Strike,” one with Russian terrorists and another with Arab terrorists.   After the participants played the games, their level of prejudice against Arab Americans was tested with a questionnaire and drawings.  The participants were given paper and colored pencils and asked to draw a “typical” Arab and Caucasian man and woman.    Participants who played games about terrorism were more likely than those who played the golf game to draw Arabs with stereotypical appearance and Arab men with weapons. 

Saleem says it’s possible the effects of video game stereotypes on anti-Arab attitudes are especially strong because of the overall lack of direct contact with Arabs among the participants.   The participants depended on images they’ve seen in the media, which are often negative when it comes to the portrayal of Arab Americans.