Media Violence Effects: Confirmed Truth or Just Another X-File?

This article presents a critical review of the extant literature on media violence effects on violent criminal behavior. Problems within the media violence literature that limit the causal conclusion appropriate to this body of literature are discussed. It is argued that, contrary to common belief, the current literature does not provide ample support for the conclusion that media violence causes aggressive or violent behavior. This article offers positive suggestions for the future of media violence studies. Suggestions for the role of forensic psychologists in communicating media violence research information to courts and the public are also provided.