How Violence Can Become an Addictive Brain Game

Violence is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including biological processes, psychological states, and social environments. To better comprehend the triggers that lead individuals to exhibit aggressive behavior, it is crucial to develop a heightened awareness of these underlying causes. Jaime Eduardo Calixto Gonzalez, a researcher at the Faculty of Psychology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), delved into this topic during his participation in the New Dialogues cycle, organized by the General Directorates of Humanities Dissemination and Science Dissemination.

Calixto Gonzalez highlighted that violence can become addictive to the brain. However, it is essential to note that the brain itself is not inherently violent or prone to aggression unless it perceives a sense of winning or gaining something. This realization underscores the importance of detecting and acknowledging the levels of violence within society. Over the past 25 to 26 years in Mexico, there has been an alarming increase in violence within homes, schools, and other spheres. The researcher emphasized that individuals who were subjected to violence as children often perpetuate it as adults, unwittingly replicating the patterns they learned. By focusing on identifying violent behaviors in language, body language, and communication styles, people can become more aware of the need for change.