Video games have become an inescapable part of growing up and one cannot be wrong when we say that they also play a large part in the development and socialization of children. Pokemon which was very popular has grown from just a video game into a cultural phenomenon. Technology has become more pervasive in everyday life, and with that comes the question is technology doing good for us? The effects of video games have always been a cause of contention, right from the time they were invented. Parents have opined that video games cause children to socially isolate themselves, has been a cause of obesity, made children insensitive to violence, and in short a waste of time. However, when we look at the wide variety of games available to play, it becomes hard to decide if all video games are bad for you in general. But there is enough evidence for both arguments; video games can be both good and bad for those that play them.
Negative effects of video games
One of the most important negative connotations that video games bring to our mind is that it increases violence and aggression in children and adolescents who play them. However, in research, there is no consensus whether video games alone has resulted in aggression or if it is the more of a combination of the environment, the family, or personality features. However, there is enough evidence that shows that the active participation and repeated acts of violence which comes as rewards that come from that violence in video games can result in children learning those behaviors. But then there is also evidence which says that aggressive behaviors do not carry over into real life, and when players stop playing, these violent feelings and behaviors also end.
Positive effects of video games
There are in fact several benefits of playing video games for both children as well as adolescents. Educational games during early childhood help the kids learn technology, and this is very important in a world which is increasingly technology dependent. Additionally, video games makes the learning process fun filled with the lights, colors, and interaction which helps the concept get imprinted in the child’s mind. Gamification is even becoming popular in adult learning as well. Video games can even be a bonding activity between parent and child, or between friends. Video games also help children learn how to follow instructions thus inculcating discipline. One other reward that has been seen from playing video games is the improvement in decision-making speed. Video games also improve the hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning. The player also learns strategy and management of resources along with how to judge situations.
