Advantages and Disadvantages of Video Games

Introduction

When the word “video game” crosses one’s mind, what does he/she think of? Maybe it is just a gadget? Or perhaps an entertaining tool for the users? Whatever it is there are many definitions for the term video game, and they all share the same purpose. Surely video games considered as an electronic thing in which it is interacted with through a screen, but it is actually much more than that. Many argue that video games are useful and enjoyable tools for people as it benefits them in many aspects, such as improving one’s brain, teaching driving, making people successful in their work life and gaining a lot of knowledge; nevertheless, others say video games are not useful and cause health problems, social isolation, waste time, and they are not useful tools for learning. Thus the advantsges and disadvantages of video games are discussed in this essay.

Video games: advantages and disadvantages

Firstly, it is argued by many that video games can cause a lot of health problems. For instance, looking at the screen for long hours can harm eyes and cause vision impairment because the cornea and iris of the eyes are not intended for viewing electronic devices for a long time. Moreover, using video games for too long may also cause headaches, dizziness, and chances of vomiting from focusing on a screen. One of the most common health issues that are faced by most individuals, adults and children alike, addicted to playing video games is obesity because they tend to sit in one place for a long time without any physical activity. Children with higher weight status played moderate amounts of electronic games, while children with lower weight status played either very little or a lot of electronic games. (Vandewater, Shim, & Caplovitz, 2004). In addition, playing video games for incredibly long periods of time will in general antagonistically influence the social conduct of an individual. Excessive gaming can develop certain traits which may have negative effects on an individual’s all-round development. Social isolation can be an immediate consequence of nonstop and incessant gaming. People, particularly kids, tend to spend lesser time with their companions and others, for they want to get back home (gaming place) as quick as possible and continue playing. This makes them aloof from others and so in the long-run lack abilities of social communication and develops a kind of anthropophobia (fear of human company). On the other hand, video games help people to become more successful in their work life by the skills it gives them. Video games teach people how to work in teams, how to multi-task and give them the chance to meet new people. “Video games employ a number of methods to ensure that players remain at a challenging level but have tasks they can accomplish.”

Secondly, many are of the opinion that video games are just a waste of time. Numerous people, practically parents, stand against the idea of video games being an actual useful tool and it’s just a waste of time because they think when people play video games, they don’t do anything useful, and they don’t consume their time in a right way. Parents, teachers, and policymakers, purport that gamers, especially young adults, do not do anything productive. They claim that they don’t “read books” or “go outside” or even “have time to free play”. However, video games can be enjoyable and useful at the same time. There are several mental challenge games that include learning materials as well. Crimes and punishment: Sherlock Holmes, Minecraft, Dark Souls 3 and almost all of the telltale franchise are just a few of many tough games! “Video games employ a number of methods to ensure that players remain at a challenging level but have tasks they can accomplish.” “Apparently, the games interactivity allows for a continuous stream of challenging and competitive situations that have to be resolved by the players.”

Although it is arguable that the video games do not help people to gain a lot of information but only decreases prosocial behavior “Playing violent video games also decreases prosocial behavior.” But in fact, video games help people to make accurate decisions and respond fast to the position that they are in; consequently, they can solve their problems in a proper way. On the contrary, many people deny video games being educational for today’s net generation, which is absurd. They summon that video games completely destroys the user’s brain cells. On the other side, there are some people who think the complete opposite. They believe that video games can improve one’s brain and can be a useful tool for learning. “As they matriculate through the education system, they are often exposed to materials and manipulatives used for the past 40 years, and not to the digital media to which they are accustomed.” In addition, while it is arguable that video games it’s just a waste of time, and people don’t gain knowledge while playing. Even though, video games can teach people how to drive and be aware of the driving rules in a small age.

My Opinion

Finally, almost all the benefits of video games end up being outweighed by its negative effects and the problem is not video games; it is the people themselves who use it negatively. Video games are not the ones to point fingers at. They are one of many things today’s era actually benefit from, and we should be thankful for its existence. As mentioned, it aids its users with many life skills to prepare for the future. In my opinion, likewise books and movies, video games are one of the various ways individuals resort to when facing traumatic and stressful situations. It simply draws the attention of the user and keeps him/her mind occupied by being entertained. It also forms some sort of escape from the real world by entering the virtual one and creates a feeling of freedom. “Video games are not the enemy, but the best opportunity we have to engage our kids in real learning.” (Green & Bavelier, 2003). In addition, video games ended up teaching a whole generation of gamers, and I am one of them, the true meaning of history! Assassin’s Creed Origins is an amazing gameplay that teaches its players many interesting yet valuable facts about ancient Egypt. As someone who didn’t gain much knowledge from history classes, thanks to these games, I now have an obsession with ancient history! Moreover, learning history through video games sounds ten times better than attending history class for 6 months and gaining nothing from it. Moreover, users learn from video games to follow directions, solve problems and make accurate decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this argument reiterates that video games are one of the many things today’s era can profit from and can benefit people in several things. On the other hand, video games are not useful in many aspects in life as mentioned before.

Works Cited

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