Video Games Are Not Destroying Our Children

1782 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Positive negative effects video games

Many parents today say that video games are dangerous to their children because they increase the risk of childhood obesity and exposure to violence. I believe that this statement is both viable and completely ludicrous at the same time. Out of the many topics that I can argue on, I believe that I can argue this one the best. I am going to reveal the deeper meaning that lies buried underneath the controversy that presents itself in this subject. I have witnessed many outcomes that are associated with this beloved form of entertainment. I have personal experience with video games and what impact they might have on children who play them without proper constraints. Everyone either agrees or disagrees with this topic one way or another. For me, this topic does not just hold a black or white side. For me, this topic is a shade of grey with a tint of underlying red that no one arguing this subject takes the time to look deep enough to see. What we have here are two valid arguments, which stretch out like the branches of a tree, with the trunk of this tree being the children, but the most important part of this tree are the parents, which are the roots: the reason, the cause for everything. We are going to take a closer look at these two points of view and analyze the deeper meaning, and then we can decide where we stand.

Adults say that video games are expanding children’s waistlines and subjecting them to an increased amount of violence because kids spend most of their time nowadays playing said games. However, this one fact remains overlooked that may possibly be the most important for adults everywhere; parents have the ability and the right to choose what is best for their children. This conclusion is so mundane and disregarde...

... middle of paper ...

..., richer, more productive lives.

Bibliography:

1-3 Video Games Boost Visual Skills, Study Finds By John Roach for National Geographic News: May 28, 2003

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/05/0528_030528_videogames.html

1 John Roach (writer for Discover magazine)

2 Daphne Bavelier (an associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester)

3 National Geo. Paragraph 8 excerpt

4-5 Surgeons May Error Less by Playing Video Games: Three hours a week decreases mistakes by 37 percent By Verena Dobnik for Associated Press April 7, 2004

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4685909/ns/technology_and_science-games/

4 Dr. James “Butch” Rosser (study subject in the Beth Israel Medical Center experiment)

5 Kurt Squire (University of Wisconsin researcher of video game effects on learning)

Show More
Related

  • Violent Video Games and Bad Behavior

    1537 Words  | 4 Pages

    At this day in age we bask in the luxury of having easy access to advanced technology at our disposal. From the World Wide Web, to cell phones, music, movies and video games the human race has thought of any and everything to keep us entertained. Over the years studies have shown reasonable concerns regarding the long-term effects of video games. These games can desensitize gamers to real life violence, which is usually seen in the younger crowd. The studies especially hit on the games containing player-on-player violence. Though these games are extremely entertaining and can get kids to settle down for a while, if not properly supervised, they can produce adverse effects. Other studies have shown that video games can be used as way to yield positive outcomes such as, good problem solving skills, cooperation in a group and the ability to flow. Although there has been psychological research on children learning through the actions of others some believe that children are automatically able to distinguish between what is just a game and what is reality. The longer they are allowed on their game system the more they become convinced that their games are real. Some researchers believe violent video games can channel the aggression of the child but the parents are to blame for what happens to the child after playing an excessive amount over a period of time. Children can become preoccupied with these violent video games which have been proven to be the cause of poor social skills, uncontrollable aggression and a false reality.

    Read More

  • The Effects Of Violent Video Games: The Effects Of Violent Video Games?

    732 Words  | 2 Pages

    Not every video game causes post game aggression, but documented in his article, “Players who enacted in-game violence through a heroic character exhibited less postgame aggression than players who enacted comparable levels of in-game violence through an antiheroic character” (Sauer 205). As a graduate of Radboud University, Isabela Granic brings to light the reasons why the youth actually benefit from playing violent video games. For example, in her article, “The Benefits of Playing Video Games,” Granic illustrates the fact that children gain social skills, highly efficient motor skills, and the understanding of the human body as a whole. Noted by the author, “Whereas adolescents and adults often use self-disclosure and direct discussion with close friends to resolve emotional issues, children use play to work them out through pretend-based narratives enacted either alone or with others” (Granic 67).

    Read More

  • Benefit Of Video Games Essay

    1266 Words  | 3 Pages

    Nowadays video games get nothing but bad reputations from people. There are people in powerful positions who are saying that video games have nothing but bad effects and they only promote violence which leads to children acting out in violent ways. Who are the ones listening to the people in these powerful positions; Parents. Some Parents have this misunderstanding that video games are bad and that they have a negative effects on their child’s minds and how they develop after playing them. The parents with that understanding are misinformed and need to understand just how beneficial video games can actually be for their children. Although, some parents think that video games offer nothing but

    Read More

  • Video Game Violence

    2545 Words  | 6 Pages

    “On Tuesday, November 2, while the rest of the country was voting, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in Schwarzenegger v. EMA, the landmark case in which the state of California is petitioning for the re-instatement of a California law banning the sale of deviant or morbid violent video games to minors” (Macris). This case is a current example of the opponents of video games trying to prove video games are a bad influence on children and teenagers. Violent video game opponents have always tried to disprove the positive effects of video games. They also have been known to make up and mislead with tales of terrible side effects. This essay will prove to the reader that many of these various statements against video games and their creators are false. Contrary to opposition arguments, video games actually present benefits to gamers by reducing stress, providing entertainment, and helping to develop motivation that could not otherwise be achieved through conventional means.

    Read More

  • Are Video Games Always To Blame Essay

    1584 Words  | 4 Pages

    Since the 1970 video games have become more popular than ever before. Generating 11.7 billions of dollars of sells every year or more, the video game industry is considered one of the largest industries in this century. However, video games have been a topic of controversy. With the sales of violent video games going up and the increased violence in schools and teenagers, video games are always to blame. Many people speculate that video games are the cause on why many teenagers have developed aggressive and violent behavior, are desensitize to violence, and the increase violence in schools and public places. In contradiction, video games have little or no fault in teenagers’ violent behavior and shouldn’t always be blamed.

    Read More

  • Are Violent Video Games a Cause of the Bad Behavior in Children?

    984 Words  | 2 Pages

    Many People have put their attention directly on the influence violent video games have on the bad behavior of children. People believe videogames intensify aggression in children, while others say it can be a safe getaway for a child to express his aggression. Many opinions on this issue are stated still today, and they remain divided amongst the people who claim videogames to be a cause of aggression and those who claim otherwise. A child’s behavior can not be determined by violent video games, but instead is caused by a variety of environmental and domestic factors. It is easy to blame video games on violence, instead of looking at factors such as economic status, familial issues, and exposure to other entities such as television and media. This paper will bring forward the opinions of those who believe in no relationship between violent video games and bad behavior with one counter argument expressing the opinion of those who believe there is a relationship.

    Read More

  • How Technology Effects Children

    3455 Words  | 7 Pages

    By far the largest concern of technology today is video games. There have been so many experiments and studies to try and figure out if video games have a negative or positive effect on our children. A growing body of research is linking violent video game play to aggressive cognitive, attitudes and behaviors (D.A. Gentile, 2004). Video games can obviously be dangerous for our children causing aggression, bad performances in school and obesity. Although we cant blame all of these problems on the use of video game...

    Read More

  • Violent Video Games and Increased Aggression

    1900 Words  | 4 Pages

    One article points out that video games have a big impact on children’s lives and that many of the games played are violent. Researchers have found that “nearly all children spend time playing video games” and studies have found that “8th graders spent an average of 17 hours per week playing video games” (Tamborini 336). Moreover, 68% of the most popular video games contain violence (Tamborini 336). So it is clear that many children have access to violent video games and they have a big impact on their lives simply because of the amount of time spent playing them.

    Read More

  • Video Games and the Human Brain

    1348 Words  | 3 Pages

    “As video games have become more violent and more sophisticated and the sales of video games has skyrocketed in the last few decades, youth violence has plummeted,” Ferguson says, citing evidence compiled by various federal agencies (Adams 3). Violence in video games is not a new issue. It has been debated and argued since the release of the first violent video game. As time has progressed, so has the evolution of violence and strong language within video games. Ratings have become more relaxed, and the lines between T (Teen) and M (Mature) rated games has gotten closer together. Violent games are becoming the normal and accepted of all games, and are being demanded by the gaming industry more heavily. Parents have always shied away from these games for their children, regardless of age. However, kids are getting these games whether they are the correct age (17+) or not. Young kids, less than ten years of age are playing horribly violent games and parents are fearing the repercussions. But video games are not to be blamed for child violence. Violence in video games does not cause children to become violent people later on in life.

    Read More

  • Video games not harmful

    1164 Words  | 3 Pages

    Thirty that is the average age of people who play video games in America according to the ESRB. Yet when people talk about video games as a bad thing the topic that always comes up is that video games are bad for children and is going to rot their brains. But if people looked just at the numbers it could be seen that if video games really did rot people’s brains there would be millions of average American’s that would not fit in with the average public in the slightest. Why does this not happen. Because Video games are not harmful because society still functions, video games are used for training and for teaching, and video games bring people together.

    Read More

  • Violent Video Games and Aggression in Children

    3466 Words  | 7 Pages

    Over the past 30 years, playing video games has become one of the most popular hobbies worldwide. Not only has the video game industry become a multi-billion dollar industry, but it has attracted people from all age types. While video games today are played by both kids and adults, there are many issues being raised regarding the effects of video games. More particular, is the effect that violent video games may be having on children. Some critics argue that video games are direct indicators of child aggression while video game supporters argue that there is no direct link between child aggression and violent video games. While many people have their own personal stances, this issue is unique because it is unfolding everyday. Scientists and researchers all over the world are continuously doing research regarding the effects of video games on children. Even though this remains a field of uncertainty for researchers, parents should definitely be involved in being aware of what it is that they’re children are playing when they play video games.

    Read More

  • Game-Based Learning (GBL) Tools

    1410 Words  | 3 Pages

    There have been several studies conducted on learning and serious games, for example, a recent study by the Office of Naval Research found that video game players performed ten to twenty percent better in perceptual and cognitive ability than non-game players, and that video games helped adults process information faster(Steinberg,2012). Another study by the Federation of American Scientists found that students re...

    Read More

  • Benefits of Playing Video Games

    1776 Words  | 4 Pages

    When playing video games, the coordination and concentration can physically, socially, and mentally benefit the user. Research today shows that certain video games can reduce fat and therefore promote weight loss. Other sources state that doctors have instructed parents to let their children play video games to help control focus. It is found that video games can improve hand eye coordination and have been used for rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. Gamming has developed in technology, and created many new positive effects. Over the years video games has become popular, the history of gamming continues all the way back to board games, new equipment has created constructive and entertaining learning experiences.

    Read More

  • Violent Video Games Contribute to Youth Violence

    1447 Words  | 3 Pages

    In a society driven by technology, video games are becoming more popular each and everyday. People of all ages enjoy video games in their free time; these games allow the player to become an athlete, a soldier, or a professional fighter at the tip of their fingers. The biggest problem with these video games is that they are becoming too violent. In today’s society, children often brag about the new video game they bought, and the number of people they have managed to kill while playing these games. Video games have become realistic, causing them to intrigue a larger amount of children. Many of these violent video games encourage killing and fighting of enemies, or strangers in the game. Each year a new game system, and hundreds of video games are released, and millions of kids go out and buy them and spend hours playing. Video games have a large effect on school performance and time spent with family. Children would prefer to play their games than sit down and talk with their parents (Saleem, 2012).

    Read More

  • The Impact of Video Games on Children

    640 Words  | 2 Pages

    Video games not only affect your social skills but can deteriorate a person’s health. When you confine to yourself playing v...

    Read More

More about Video Games Are Not Destroying Our Children

Open Document