Studies show that television and video games affect their users in different ways, with video games’ having the more profound effects. 

       Television and video games affect their users differently. Television informs and entertains and, through that, can influence peoples’ preferences and opinions. In contrast, video games provide an interactive experience that is more engaging and intense. These differences stem from the repetitive and active nature of gaming compared to the more passive experience of watching television.

         Studies show that television affects viewers’ opinions and preferences. Following World War I, Harold Lasswel created the hypodermic needle model, based on his analysis of propaganda efforts during the war. This model was supported by research conducted by George Gerbner, which argued that media messages have a deep impact on individuals’ views. Gerbner’s research found that people who saw repeated murders on television became strong supporters of a powerful law enforcement system. The hypodermic needle model was also supported by a 1992 study by the American Psychological Association titled, “Big World Small Screen: The Role of Television in American Society.” This study showed a correlation between watching violence on television and aggressive behavior based on child test subjects who viewed television violence and then held ”attitudes and values that favor violence.”
           Other studies challenge the hypodermic needle model’s conclusions, suggesting that television has less of an impact on its viewers. A 1928 study by the Payne Fund showed that it was hard to assess the effects of television on children because of the many different influences at play. Additionally, a 1969 study focused on the unrealistic nature of most television violence and that “good guys” almost always prevail. This study suggested that television serves as entertainment that has less of a profound impact on its viewers. On the other hand, the prevalence of television advertising, including political advertisements, indicates that television can affect peoples’ preferences and opinions.
          Video games have gained popularity in recent years, taking away some of television's audience. Many video games have a "story mode," where the user goes through a progression of missions in order to reach a goal. This step-by-step advancement creates a deep connection between the user and the game. There are thousands of video games on the market, varying from interactive simulated sports to children's games to first-person shooter games. Video games are most commonly used for recreation, but they are also used for fitness and for learning. Sesame Street and other educational groups have developed interactive teaching games for video consoles.

            A study conducted by Torben Grodal at the University of Copenhagen titled “Media Entertainment: The Psychology of its Appeal” investigated the effects that video games have on their users. Grodal studied users’ active experiences during video games, observing that they make repeated cognitive decisions with a high sense of realism. Video gamers actively relate and coordinate visual attention with motor activities. Because a video game can yield many different results, it creates a learning process. Users then form a connection with the game and become invested it. For some users, this deep impact can blur the line between gaming and reality and even affect their actions. For others, the intensity of video games provides a valuable tool for learning. The connection between children and educational games can in some ways be compared to the connection between a student and a teacher.
            The intensity of the video game experience is the principal difference that sets it apart from television. Because television shows are generally watched only once, television’s effects are normally short-lived. In the 1950’s the Bobo Doll studies found that children who watched television shows where the violent actor was rewarded were more likely to punch a doll than children who watched shows where the violent actor was unsuccessful. However, these studies also found that these effects on the children’s thinking and behavior diminished over time. If this study were conducted today on video gamers, the repeated use and long-term relationship with the games could indicate a different and more long-term effect. This would be due to the deeper connection that video game users have to their game as compared to television viewers.
            Years ago, television was criticized as having a “pied piper” effect on its viewers. People were worried about television’s influence on its viewers and the negative effects on society. Video games are more intense than television and, as a result, can have a greater influence on their users. From this perspective, video game can be criticized as having an even greater pied piper effect. However, this new technology should not be seen as all bad. Video games give players an outlet to act out their desires, and to have new and different experiences. Children use video games to learn. Athletes and others can use video games to stay fit. Like television, video games provide opportunities that, if properly used, can be helpful and entertaining. However, because of the intensity of video games, they should be used carefully and in age-appropriate ways.