The Negative Effects of Video Games

879 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Video games benefits

Why Videogames Aren’t Just Games Anymore Have you ever imagined that games like Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Battlefield 4 may actually be beneficial to play? Many people claim that videogames can have negative effects, but recent studies have proven that videogames can actually be beneficial. Early researchers once thought that videogames were harmful, but now many feel that the opposite may be true. Videogames have many positive side effects that outweigh the few negative side effects. When videogames are played, there is an increase in awareness and sensitivity. This has a positive effect on people, because it allows them to multitask and have better reaction times. It also makes people more aware of what's around them. “Cognitive scientists from the University of Rochester have discovered that playing action videogames trains people to make the right decisions faster. The researchers found that video game players develop a heightened sensitivity to what is going on around them,” (University). When people play fast paced videogames, their eyes are constantly scanning the screen for enemies. This fast paced scanning can relate to real life, because it causes people to be more aware of their surroundings. The opposing view states videogames are a leading cause of addiction in children and teens. Keith Bakker, director of Smith & Jones Addiction Consultants, sees a growing problem among young men and boys. "The more we looked at it, the more we saw [gaming] was taking over the lives of kids," (Feature). This claim may be true, but an easy way to eliminate this problem is to set limits on gaming time. Before video game players sit down to play, it is important to designate a time to end the game. Once a time is set, it is impo... ... middle of paper ... ...he Negative Effects of Video Game Addiction." LIVESTRONG.COM. LiveStrong, 16 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Jan. 2014. Colino, Stacey. "Live Right Live Well." Can Video Games Count as Exercise? StudioOne, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2014. Cultrona, R.L. "Negative Effects of Video Gaming | eHow." eHow. Demand Media, 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 24 Jan. 2014. Feature, Sherry. "Video Game Addiction." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014. Jackson, Linda and Andy Henion. "Video game playing tied to creativity." MSU Today. Michigan State University, 2 Nov. 2011. Web. 24 Jan. 2014. Lewis, Richard. "Want to slow mental decay? Play a video game." Iowa Now. University of Iowa, 5 Jan. 2013. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. "University of Rochester." Video Games Lead to Faster Decisions that are No Less Accurate: Rochester News. n.p., 13 Sept. 2010. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.

Show More
Related

  • Are Video Games Always To Blame Essay

    1584 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...ing Health Benefits of Playing Video Games.” Youtube. 14 November 2012. Web. 1 May 2014.

    Read More

  • Violent Video Games Do NOT Affect Children

    1540 Words  | 4 Pages

    Adams, Jill. “The Effects of Video Games.” LA Times [Los Angeles] 3 May 2010: 1+. Print.

    Read More

  • Violent Video Games and Bad Behavior

    1537 Words  | 4 Pages

    At this day in age we bask in the luxury of having easy access to advanced technology at our disposal. From the World Wide Web, to cell phones, music, movies and video games the human race has thought of any and everything to keep us entertained. Over the years studies have shown reasonable concerns regarding the long-term effects of video games. These games can desensitize gamers to real life violence, which is usually seen in the younger crowd. The studies especially hit on the games containing player-on-player violence. Though these games are extremely entertaining and can get kids to settle down for a while, if not properly supervised, they can produce adverse effects. Other studies have shown that video games can be used as way to yield positive outcomes such as, good problem solving skills, cooperation in a group and the ability to flow. Although there has been psychological research on children learning through the actions of others some believe that children are automatically able to distinguish between what is just a game and what is reality. The longer they are allowed on their game system the more they become convinced that their games are real. Some researchers believe violent video games can channel the aggression of the child but the parents are to blame for what happens to the child after playing an excessive amount over a period of time. Children can become preoccupied with these violent video games which have been proven to be the cause of poor social skills, uncontrollable aggression and a false reality.

    Read More

  • The Problem of Video Game Violence is Exaggerated

    1090 Words  | 3 Pages

    The second reason video games are an issue is that videogames have been linked to a variety of mental and physical ailments. The most common physical health problems tend to be arthritis from barely moving the fingers while using a keyboard or game controller, and a variety of eye problems due to constantly staring at the game screen. The most frequently occurring mental problems range from delusions to schizophrenia and becoming desensitized to violence. Keegan says that "repeated exposure to violent images can make people less sensitive to the effects of violence" (1). All of these ailments, both mental and physical, can and will occur in many people, but this statement only holds true if the player spends much of his or her free time playing video games. The essay “Violence and the Media: A Psychological Analysis,” shows how the number of hours spent watching a television program may be more influential than the nature of the program itself (Javier 4). While this statement refers ...

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay: Violent Video Games Contribute to Youth Violence

    1449 Words  | 3 Pages

    The average adolescent spends a major part of the normal week watching or interacting with some form of the media’s products. Video games are one of these media based mediums and have become increasingly popular since the 1980’s. According to a report in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, "Female gamers spent an average of 44 minutes playing on the weekdays and one hour and four minutes playing on the weekends, and male gamers spent an average of 58 minutes playing on the weekdays and one hour and 37 minutes playing on the weekends" ("Video Game Play Among Adolescents"). What can we understand from this evidence? The fact is that adolescents, male or female, are spending tremendous amounts of time each day sitting in front of a screen with a controller in hand.

    Read More

  • Video Games Informative Essay

    1222 Words  | 3 Pages

    Studies have shown that there is a wide variety of physical and behavioral effects that video games can have on their players.

    Read More

  • The Effect of Video Game Violence on Physiological Desensitization to Real-life Violence

    2769 Words  | 6 Pages

    Video games have both good and effects, but bad effects were greater. Limiting the time of playing video games and choosing the right type are the solutions of the elimination of bad effects on children. Thus, moderation between playing video games and playing sports or doing extracellular activities will benefit the child. Another important point would be avoiding violent video games because they influence children’s behavior in an aggressive way.

    Read More

  • Positive Effects of Video Games on Learning

    934 Words  | 2 Pages

    Nowadays, video games are frequently accused of having detrimental effects on children and adolescents. The main arguments against video games are that they lead to addiction, that they provoke violence, and that they impair social development. Whether or not such claims are true has not been determined with certainty as scientific studies have produced contradictory results. Nevertheless, video games also have beneficial effects, which tend to be underrated, as they do not receive the same level of media coverage that adverse ones do, and are thus unknown to the general public. Some of the positive effects of playing video games on mental development include: stimulating analytical thinking, improving concentration, and encouraging planning and anticipation (“Video game controversies”).

    Read More

  • Cause And Effect Essay On Video Game Addiction

    1102 Words  | 3 Pages

    Video games are not considered as a serious addiction amongst teenagers and adults, often being compared to severe cases of addiction, such as drug abuse or alcohol abuse that may result in the appearance of a decrease in the severity of the addiction. However, video game addiction is a serious matter and has unhealthy consequences for an individual 's life and their health; spending too much time playing video games can take a great toll on one 's physical and mental well-being. Continuing unhealthy patterns of video game activity for prolonged periods of time can result in mental health issues, physical health problems, and a decline in a social life.

    Read More

  • Gaming: Video Games

    2452 Words  | 5 Pages

    Many people believe that video games change people and mislead them to do bad things, such as drugs and alcohol, but it is the opposite. Gaming prevents people from such acts and actually helps to keep them away from the substances. Lots of people, mainly parents, believe that video games harm people so they try to keep their children away from them. In reality, video games make your life better. Video games can provide many benefits to your lifestyle as “numerous academic studies indicate that playing video games has many psychological and even physical benefits” (Guarini). Gaming helps stimulate the brain and advances your problem solving abilities. There are disadvantages to gaming, which is true, but the amount of benefits outweigh them by far.

    Read More

  • Benefits of Playing Video Games

    1776 Words  | 4 Pages

    Video games have been argued about for decades. Some people have argued that video games are linked to violence. However, new research shows that video games can be used for therapeutic purposes, exercise, stress relievers, positive interactive learning, hand eye coordination, and different types of patient treatment for people all around the world.

    Read More

  • Is Video Games A Waste Of Time Essay

    1194 Words  | 3 Pages

    Video game have been claimed as addictive, a waste of time, and a distraction. While this does apply to some people, others have found the benefits to playing video games. These benefits include simulating working environments, helping people escape working environments, and giving great experiences. Although these benefits seems to be beneficial, it still stands that video games are a waste of time in which other things can be more productive.

    Read More

  • Effects of Video Games on Children and Teenagers

    1252 Words  | 3 Pages

    In recent years, technology has developed very rapidly. This has led to many arguably both positive and negative changes in our everyday lives. One such change was the increased accessibility of personal computers and gaming consoles as well as the introduction of numerous video games. Due to their entertainment value, these games gained popularity among children and teenagers. Although many concerns have been voiced related to playing video games, especially those that are violent, [e.g., increases in aggressive behavior in children (Anderson & Bushman, 2001)], this paper will argue that certain video games also have beneficial effects. They should thus be played by children, teenagers and adults alike albeit with caution.

    Read More

  • The Negative Effects of Violent Video Games

    1276 Words  | 3 Pages

    This being said, it can be proven that advancements come with positive and negative effects. The video games of twenty-five years ago have evolved into something different and in some cases something dark. Research has shown in many cases that video games have negative effects such as: increased aggressive behavior, desensitization, and poor physical heath on adolescents. Many researches also think part of the problem arises because adolescents do not receive enough parental supervision with these games. After discussing these negative effects it will be obvious that more vigilance and regulations are warranted.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Violent Video Games

    1915 Words  | 4 Pages

    Several years ago, technology and child’s play were not such as extremely developed as today. Thousands of teenagers have video game as their primary form of entertainment at home. The disagreement about violent video games is because they focus on several subjects such as violence scenes, pornographic content, racism and other resources. For many years, researchers have been debating if video games can cause dependence or not. However, an expert, Jack Flanagan believes video games have a really negative effect on a person’s life and even for children. Jack states that video game addiction exists, and can have the same effects as drugs and alcohol (Netzley 36-37). This shows that video game addiction can be like other addictions

    Read More

More about The Negative Effects of Video Games

Open Document