Effects of Video Games on Kids by Sakshi Singhal - 7A

Effects of video games on kids….

 Table of contents :

·       Increasing popularity of video games

·       Positive effects and influences

·       Negative effects and influences

·       Video games vs board games

·       Addiction over video games

·       References

Introduction:

In this age of technology, it is uncommon for one to hear children talking about a new board game to play or buy. Its all audio visual and all about the new video games. In this all write-up, you will uncover details of video games and its effects in many aspects like – How video games became so popular? How addictive video games are? Are video games better than board games? With new and everchanging technology video games are likely to influence a child’s mind both positively and negatively. Its all based on how one uses it.

Increasing popularity:

When children are free, in their past time they mostly play video games. Video games have become immensely popular over the recent years and they have attracted children of all ages and also built competition amongst gamers.

Firstly, the evolution of video games did not rise until the 1970’s, when the arcade video games, which are video games consoles and home computer games were introduced. Since then, video gaming has become a popular form of entertainment and a part of the modern lives of many kids.

Moreover, video games are also becoming increasingly addictive to young adults. Video games can be defined as ‘games designed to create an artificial challenge that requires specific skills to overcome.’ In other words, a game created to challenge through audio-visuals. Children are eager to challenge themselves, as a result get addicted.

Also, video games build a sense of intense competition between gamers who play to beat each others high scores. There are “eSports” organized, mainly multiplayer video game competitions between professional gamers. They provide live brodcast and prizes and money are awarded to winners.

Positive effects and influences:

Considering that most children are advised not to game regularly they do also have positive effects and influences. When children play video games it gives their brain a real workout. There are multiple skills enhanced by video games, some of which are detailed in the following paragraphs.

For starters, in order to play a video game, you need to understand and follow rules and instructions given at the start. This helps you listen to and analyze instructions in real life.

Secondly, problem solving and logic are one of the other skills that are enhanced by gaming. When a child is attempting to play a video he trains his brain to come up with creative ideas and methods to solve challenges. This would benefit in the kid’s academics as well.

Thirdly, gaming also helps develop your quick thinking and decision making abilities. Study and research suggests that playing action video games primes the brain to make quick decisions, as they include reflex actions and time limits.

Furthermore, gaming requires high levels of perseverance, in higher levels the user usually fails in his first attempt, but keeps trying until he finally succeeds.

Moreover, video games increase your concentration. A study conducted proved that teenagers with short concentration span who started gaming, have started to focus for a longer time.

Lastly, and the most importantly, gaming enhances team-work and co-operation. Many multiplayer games involve co-operation with other users to achieve a certain goal. These games also encourage to conquer the challenge and this is a very crucial skill to develop in real life.

These can be seen as some of the positive effects of video games. Video games enhances skills that are important in real life and boost kids socially and academically.

Negative effects and influences:

While there are multiple benefits of video games, there are also negative consequences.

To begin with, video games have numerous negative effects on kids such as – social isolation, poor academic performance and adverse health issues.

Teenagers and children, as a result of spending too much time on video games, do not participate in activities that can keep them healthy and fit. This leads to several damages and disorders in your body.

Furthermore, violent video games have influences many teenagers to take severe action actions. Some critically dangerous instances are mentioned below:

To begin with, 17-year-old, Daniel Petric, murdered his mother and injured his father after they refused to let him play the video game – Halo 3

In fact, a 13-year-old boy robbed an old lady and was arrested. He claimed he needed the money to pay for an online video game which his parents couldn’t afford.

Also, on December 27^th, Xioyi left a suicide note saying he wanted to join the heroes of the game World of Warcraft after playing it for 36-hours straight.

Lastly, one of the biggest records, after a 50-hour StarCraft video gaming session, a south Korean man collapsed and died from heart failure.

Video games “VS” Board Games:

Shigeru Miyamoto once said “The obvious objective of a video game is to entertain people by surprising them with new experiences.” The video game industry is based in this. It started on a good note but is this really all that video games are to children? With the continuous development of technology, video games are pushing board games on a way to extinction. After all, which one is better?

Board games and video games have numerous differences. Firstly, a major difference between the two is that video games are usual mostly played individually. Whereas, board games are to be played with a minimum of two people. As a result, board games include physical communication and therefore helps a teenager socially develop.

Secondly, the price difference between the two is huge. In the case of video games, you are required to buy and additionally keep updating the game when a new version is available. This causes you to spend a heavy pocket full. In contrast to board games that are usually bought at a cheap price and require to changes to be made.

Thirdly, availability and accessibility are the other aspects when comparing video games and board games. Video games in this matter are more easily accessible. They can be played on almost all of the electronic devices you own.

Lastly, health-wise, board games are quote obviously recommended as too much screen will strain your eyes and sometimes can injure them seriously.

Thus, in my opinion board games are a better option of entertainment as compared to video games.

Addiction over video games:

For many years, video games have taken a crucial place in the entertainment industry and captured many people interests, especially teenagers. Despite the fact that technology is so beneficial, people realize that it becomes increasingly addictive if its used frequently.

To begin with, every year more and more children are seen seated at a desk in front of a computer, playing their favorite video games. The teenagers are addicted to the computer and as a result play less attention to their families and friends.

The main cause of video game addiction among teenagers is the absence of hobbies, interests, attachments that aren’t related to the computer. It also happens because of lack of friends.

To overcome addiction, Firstly, it is recommended to communicate more with children. It is important to gain their interest and engage them in multiple creative ways so they don’t seek anything more.

Secondly, it is necessary to offer alternatives to them in the form of any other logical game or fun sports, etc. which will make them interested in something beyond video games

Finally, it is helpful to try to limit the child’s pastime at the computer and encourage them to play more outdoors. Enrolling them for classes, afterschool sports, etc., may also help.

Therefore, all of these tips and techniques can help the child to be resilient and overcome addiction.

Conclusion:

To sum it up, I reiterate that video games can have positive and negative effects and therefore, needs employed gainfully. It is also increasingly becoming addicting for young adults and leading to serious situations so, is being a gamer a harmful habit or just a harmless hobby? In my opinion its both, and it is our responsibility as a user to make good use of it. What do you think??

     References:

·       Wikipedia

·       Oureverdaylife.com

·       Mailman.columbia.edu

·       Raisesmartkid.com

·       Momjunction.com

·       Kidshealth.org

~ Sakshi Singhal 7A