Playing computer games: good or bad?

Playing computer games could be fun and entertaining. It is a trend nowadays. Most children even adults are hooked with games like these. It is important to know the effects of computer games so that gamers like you would have a more sound decision in choosing which games are good for you..

Good Effects

• Video-game playing introduces children to computer technology.
• Games can practice children in following directions.
• some games provide practice in problem solving and logic.
• Games can provide practice in using fine motor skills.
• Games can provide occasions for parent and child to play together.
• Some games have therapeutic applications with patients.
• Games are entertaining and fun.

The Bad Effects

• Overdependence on video games may make someone antisocial, as most games are often played alone.
• Playing violent acts may contribute to aggressive behavior.
• Game environments are often based on plots of violence, aggression, and gender bias. Women are often portrayed as weaker characters that are helpless and provocative.
• Many games only offer an arena of weapons, killings, kicking, stabbing, and shooting.
• Playing violent video games may be related to aggressive behavior.
• Academic performance may be negatively affected due to over-all time spent playing video games.

What to Do


Researcher suggests the following ways to tell if a game is potentially harmful:

1. Pay the game yourself, or have someone demonstrate it for you.
2. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the game involve some charaters trying to harm others?
• Does this happen frequently, that is, more than once or twice in 30 minutes?
• Is the harm rewarded in any way?
• Is the harm depicted as humorous?
  
• Are nonviolent solutions absent or less fun than the violent ones?
• Are realistic consequences of violence absent from the game?

If the answer to two or more questions is yes, then think very carefully before buying or playing those games.


Sources:

• Effects of Video Game Playing on Children.http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_effect.shtml
• Gentile, Douglas A. The effects of video games on children: what parents need to know.http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0816/is_6_21/ai_n9772319
• Rufus, Vinci. Computer and Video Games: The Pros and Cons.wwwbuzzie.com/editorials/2-27-2004-51038.asp
• Strategies for parents around computer and video games.www.youngmedia.org.au/mediachildren/05_11_strategies_comp_games.htm#impact