Influence of Video Games on Health

A very controversial subject has emerged over the last decade as a boom in video games has led to gaming becoming an official sport and a multi-billion dollar industry. Gaming is accessible to all ages and can serve as a stress-reliever and a hobby. Research suggests that gaming has both negative and positive effects. Given that gaming can become an addiction and is predominantly played by students, it is crucial to examine its effects on students' academic performance.

Impact of Video Games on Health

According to Dewar (2014), the potential benefits of playing video games include sharpening the mind, providing social benefits, offering educational games, and presenting a "playing hero and helper" scenario. Educational games, especially when played from a young age, help individuals improve problem-solving skills, formulate hypotheses, assist in mathematics, and foster creativity. "While you may play games on your smartphone simply to pass the time, a new study shows that casual gaming can help improve your performance on tasks requiring similar mental processes to those involved in the video game" (Saverson, 2013).

Gaming online allows individuals to interact with other players globally by playing cooperatively or in teams. This increases social interaction and can assist students who struggle with social interactions. Mental health is an important factor in students' performance, and students won't be able to work effectively if they suffer from social anxiety and other issues. According to Yoon et al. (2014), research suggests that students who play pro-social games are more likely to be friendly. Additionally, these games can help develop empathy and cooperation skills, which are essential in both academic and social settings.

Strategic and Cognitive Benefits

Strategic games allow individuals to enhance their strategizing skills, thereby enabling them to make faster decisions. Some studies suggest that first-person shooter games improve vision and coordination. Students often suffer from stress due to their workload, and if video games serve as a stress-reliever, then they contribute positively to a student's performance. Moreover, by improving cognitive flexibility, gaming can help students adapt more readily to new learning environments.

Negative Effects on Academic Performance

According to Smith (2018), the negative effects on student academic performance include a lack of social skills and health problems. Other negative effects include addiction and long-term behavioral changes. The majority of those who own gaming consoles or computers are likely to play video games several times a week. Frequent playing that leads to addiction can result in absenteeism from school or neglecting homework. Studies suggest that those who play games are less likely to read books and novels in their spare time. This diversion from reading can hinder the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, which are vital for academic success.

Gentile (2009) argues that video games can dominate the lives of individuals, providing a sense of euphoria that leads to withdrawal symptoms once the addiction is neglected. Consequently, gaming interferes with everyday activities such as school. Gentile (2009) conducted a survey where 20% of the random sample had a gaming addiction and reported attention problems and poorer grades than the rest.

Health-Related Problems

Health-related problems due to excessive gaming can lead to issues in school. Long hours in front of a screen can worsen eyesight. Gaming typically involves sitting or lying down, and gaming addicts who spend these long hours may become lazy and risk gaining weight. Lack of fitness is not beneficial for the brain. "While much of this concern has been focused on the often violent content of video games and whether it might lead to greater aggression, other research has warned about possible health problems including loss of sleep and reduced social functioning" (Vitelli, 2018). Gaming during the late hours of the evening leads to fatigue during the day. Poor sleep patterns result in less REM sleep, which in turn leads to more cognitive errors during the day. Therefore, the individual will not be able to function at 100% in class or lectures. This can result in a cycle where academic performance suffers due to both physical and mental health issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while video games offer several benefits such as improving cognitive skills, social interaction, and stress relief, they also pose significant risks to students' academic performance and health. It is essential for students, educators, and parents to find a balance that maximizes the positive aspects of gaming while mitigating its negative impacts. This balanced approach can help students harness the benefits of gaming without compromising their academic and personal development.

References

Dewar, G. (2014). The possible benefits of playing video games. Educational Insights.

Gentile, D. (2009). Video games and their impact on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101(2), 352-365.

Saverson, J. (2013). Casual gaming's impact on cognitive performance. Psychological Science, 24(4), 712-720.

Smith, A. (2018). The negative effects of video games on students. Educational Review, 34(3), 215-230.

Vitelli, R. (2018). Health concerns associated with video gaming. Health Psychology, 37(1), 14-22.

Yoon, J., et al. (2014). The social benefits of pro-social video games. Journal of Social Psychology, 154(5), 473-485.