Pros of playing Video Games (Advantages)
1. Of course video games are fun!
2. Promotes problem solving skills, logical and quick thinking
A lot of video games require the player to solve a puzzle or other problems in a short amount of time without loosing accuracy. This helps the development of his ability of problem solving and logical thinking, which can be used in real life.
3. Improves hand-eye coordination
In most video games, the player is holding a controller and watching the screen, he then acts as fast as he possibly can according to what is happening on the screen. In shooting games, the character may be running and shooting at the same time. This requires the player to keep track of the position of the character, where it is heading, its speed, where the gun is aiming, if the gunfire is hitting the enemy, and so on. All these factors need to be taken into account, and then the player must then coordinate the brain’s interpretation and reaction with the movement in his hands and fingertips. This process requires a great deal of eye-hand coordination, and in some cases, it even improves reflexes.
4. Opportunity for multitasking and managing multiple objectives
In strategy games, for instance, while developing a city, an unexpected surprise like an enemy might emerge. This forces the player to be flexible and quickly change tactics or rethink his goals.
5. Increases social interaction
Multiplayer video games improve teamwork, cooperation, and could be a great way for social interaction. While players need to act as a team to win the game, they need to communicate with each other in order to win. This type of teamwork can be used in real life to improve team work.
6. Opportunity for planning and resource management
Video games teach the player to make management decisions and manage the effective use of limited resources. Also, the player decides the best use of resources, the same way as in real life.
7. Promotes situational awareness
A lot of strategy games require the player to become mindful of sudden situational changes in the game and adapt accordingly.
Defense News reported that the Army include video games to train soldiers to improve their situational awareness in combat.
8. Develops reading and math skills
The player reads to get instructions, follow storylines, and gather information from the game texts. Also, using math skills is important to win in many games. such as games that involves quantitative analysis like managing resources.
9. Encourages perseverance
In a game, the player usually fails the first time around, but he keeps on trying until he wins and then moves on to the next level.
10. Develops inductive reasoning and hypothesis testing
A player in an action game must constantly try out combinations of weapons and powers to use to defeat an enemy. If one does not work, he changes hypothesis and try the next one. So the player tests out several solutions to achieve his goal in the game.
11. Could be a good source of energy
When playing the Nintendo Wii, you can actually get a reasonable physical workout playing it! Games like Wii Fit or Just Dance require physical activity and have workout/sweat modes.
12. Could turn into a career.
A career in Video Game Testing could be a dream job, giving one access to the newest, cutting edge video games in production.
Cons of playing Video Games (Disadvantages)
1. Can become addictive
There is a big level of addictiveness in certain video games. People who are unable to deal with their problems might just resort to go to video games in order to escape their problems. It might be rare and uncommon, but some players have actually lost their jobs and lives over video games. In some severe and rare cases, players died because they did not stop playing to go eat or sleep.
2. Promotes violence
- Most of the bad effects of video games come from the violence they contain. people who play more violent video games are more likely to have aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They also could become immune to it, more inclined to act violently themselves, and are less likely to behave emphatically.
- The player is in control of the violence and experiences the violence in his own eyes (killings, kicking, stabbing and shooting). In many games, the player is rewarded for being more violent. This active participation, repetition and reward are effective tools for learning behavior.
- The American Psychological Association (APA) also concluded that there is a “consistent correlation” between violent game use and aggression, but finds insufficient evidence to link violent video play to criminal violence.
3. Promotes poor health
Video games may also have bad effects on some children’s health, including obesity, video-induced seizures. and postural, muscular and skeletal disorders, such as tendonitis, nerve compression, carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Some video games teach kids the wrong values.
Violent behavior and aggression are rewarded. Which is not the case in the real-world. Also, when playing online, the player can pick up bad language and behavior from other people, and may be vulnerable to online dangers.
5. Games can confuse reality and fantasy.
6. Affects academic achievement
Depending on the over-all time spent playing video games, many game players would skip their homework to play games. This could affect their performance in school and would result in poor school grades.
Recommendations for Video Games
Because of the popularity of video games, completely eliminating them from a child’s life might be difficult. However, a parent can decrease the negative impact that they have by following a few tips:
- Parents can best protect their children by remaining engaged with them to better understand the content, how they react, and providing limits and guidance as necessary
- Video consoles and computers should be placed in common areas of the home, rather than in children’s bedrooms.
- Set limits on the amount of time youths can play these games.
- Encourage participation in sports or school activities in which youths can interact with peers in person rather than online.
- Know the rating of the video games your child plays.
- Supervising a child’s Internet use as there are now many “video games” available for playing online.
- Take the time to discuss with a child the games he is playing or other media he is watching.
The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) looks at a number of factors when rating games, Similar to the movie industry’s rating system. In particular, it considers the amount of violence, sex, controversial language, and substance abuse found in a game. Based on its developed guidelines, it then gives an age recommendation and content descriptor to each game submitted.
The following are the rating symbols currently in use, according to the ESRB Web site.
Early Childhood (EC)
Content is intended for young children.
Everyone (E)
Content is generally suitable for all ages. May contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.
Teen (T)
Content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling and/or infrequent use of strong language.
Mature (M)
Content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.
Adults Only (AO)
Content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. May include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content and/or gambling with real currency.
Rating Pending (RP)
Not yet assigned a final ESRB rating. Appears only in advertising, marketing and promotional materials related to a “boxed” video game that is expected to carry an ESRB rating, and should be replaced by a game’s rating once it has been assigned.
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