Tanya GoelOutreach Manager, Rightantra Many children, especially adolescents spend large amounts of time with video gamers collectively spending 3 billion hours per week playing them, something which has increased manifold in the pandemic with people turning to video games to compensate for outdoor physical activities. However, like any other thing, video gaming has its own set of positives and negatives. What are video games and what is video gaming?
A video game is an electronic game that can be played on a computing device, such as a personal computer, gaming console or mobile phone. While the first video games were simple extensions of electronic games using video-like output from large room-size computers in the 1950s and 1960s, today’s video games offer photorealistic graphics and simulate reality to a degree that is astonishing in many cases. Video gaming has become a popular activity for people of all ages. Pros of Video Gaming Studies have shown that kids who play video games actually get a boost to their reading skills. This is true even for kids who struggle with reading, and even when playing action games. Researchers think that this may happen because kids need to figure out text instructions to play. There’s also a fun factor. Many games— like Minecraft—are set in 3D virtual worlds that kids have to navigate. And there’s no GPS or smartphone map app to lead the way. The result is that kids who play these games have the chance to practice their visual- spatial skills. This can lead to a better understanding of distance and space. Moreover, at the heart of every video game is a challenge. Some researchers say kids who play these video games improve in three areas: planning, organization, and flexible thinking. However, this claim is still disputed amongst researchers. Another huge positive of video gaming, is that it helps in bettering the social skills of kids. Some kids have trouble fitting in and making friends in real life. Video games can be a refuge for them to find people to connect with in a positive way. Video games give kids a chance to continue imaginative play. Cons of Video Gaming As per experts, the total screen time for any individual in a day should not exceed 2 hours. However, video games are extremely addictive, keeping the user hooked on for hours and while it may feel that it at most damages their eyes, the repercussions are deeper. Many of the most popular games emphasize negative themes. They promote the killing of people or animals, the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, criminal behaviour, disrespect for the law and other authority figures, sexual exploitation and violence towards women, racial, sexual and gender stereotypes, and foul language obscenities and obscene gestures. Examples of video games not acceptable for children, because of such themes, include popular ones like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Mortal Kombat. Studies of children exposed to violence have shown that they can become immune or numb to the horror of violence, imitate the violence they see and show more aggressive behaviour with greater exposure to violence. Studies have also shown that the more realistic and repeated the exposure to violence, the greater the impact on children. Children and adolescents can become overly involved and even obsessed with video games, leading to poor social skills, time away from family time, school work and other hobbies, lower grades, reading less, exercising less and as a result of which compromising their health, and having aggressive thoughts and behaviours. Furthermore, medical experts and mental health professionals have also raised concerns that video games may be addictive, and the WHO has even included "gaming disorder" in the 11th revision of its International Statistical Classification of Diseases. Other health experts, including the American Psychiatric Association, have stated that there is insufficient evidence that video games can create violent tendencies or lead to addictive behaviour, though agree that video games typically use a compulsion loop in their core design that can help reinforce the desire to continue to play through that compulsion loop and potentially lead into violent or addictive behaviour. How to recognise a gaming addiction? The following warning signs may help identify a gaming addiction:
What can be done against such an addiction? Parents can take the following steps so as to rectify/ avoid a gaming addiction:
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