Whether it is for work, play, or leisure, technology has gradually impacted almost every aspect of our lives. Our generation has embraced technology so intensely that, in this day and age, it’s likely that a child you give a smartphone or tablet will either know how to use it right away or will learn in a matter of seconds.
This implies that youngsters are also developing computer literacy at a very young age. Even before they attend school, they are exposed to mobile devices, computers, and tablets at home. Early exposure to this event will help the kids make significant growth preparations for school, job development, and other areas.
But with everyone’s continual exposure to technology, there are legitimate concerns about the way technology affects children’s development. We are all fresh to this and are exploring uncharted yet familiar territory because previous generations have never experienced this level of ongoing technological immersion.
KIDS AND VIDEO GAMES
One example of a technical breakthrough that significantly influences children’s formative years is a video game. Owing to the rapid advancement of technology, playing the game has become comparatively simple. The number of games that kids play has multiplied. Most parents have experienced concerns regarding their children’s involvement, particularly when it comes to video games. Parents generally believe that playing video games diverts time away from important physical activity. Once more, the rise in popularity of violent video games that encourage aggressive and antisocial conduct in kids has raised concerns about gaming. It is impossible to dispute, nevertheless, that video games do have many positive aspects, one of them being that they can help kids become intelligent.
According to a well-known statement by Nolan Bushnell, “Video games foster the mindset that allows creativity to grow.” Shaun White also says, “There are plenty of skills, I learned from playing video games,” in a similar vein. Because you have to use your intellect to solve problems, it’s more participatory than watching TV.
ADVANTAGES OF VIDEO GAMES
As was already noted, playing video games is a terrific way to pass the time and create a pleasant, engaging pastime that may help strengthen bonds with family, friends, and siblings.
Playing video games encourages kids to socialize both online and offline by helping them create friends. It offers a forum and the chance to build groups of friends with similar interests.
The second widely acknowledged benefit of video games is that they foster creative thinking. Because they push players to use some degree of imagination, they can help people do better on tests measuring creativity.
Additionally, playing video games improves reaction times, eye-hand coordination, and problem-solving skills. Gamers typically possess better levels of cognitive and mental abilities, such as decision-making, cooperation, endurance, leadership in a group, and more concentration. Your level of energy will increase as the game becomes more difficult. Thus, in a manner, playing video games aids in one’s awareness.
To put it in a scientifically supported manner, studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that children who played video games for three hours or more a day on average showed increased activity in brain regions related to attention and memory when compared to children who never played.
Naturally, as the number of players grows, video games are providing people with a wide range of job opportunities. The process of creating a game is intricate and requires careful planning at several stages. Every game offers a unique genre, necessitating a unique set of skills. It encourages students to pursue their passions, hone these abilities, and land a solid job in the video game business. Along with many other abilities, the video game industry requires proficiency in graphic design, narrative writing, game creation, coding, etc.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF VIDEO GAMES
On the other hand, discussing the drawbacks is just as crucial. Video game drawbacks can be broadly categorized into two areas: first, psychologically, and then, on a social and physical level.
The primary drawback that most parents will concur upon is that violent and aggressive behaviour is encouraged by video games. Video games such as Grand Theft Auto, Blue Whale, PubG, and Free Fire have become more and more popular in recent times. According to Professor Kasumovic, “Because violent video games are made in a way that gives us a sense of control and accomplishment, they lend themselves to our psychological needs.”
Playing violent video games successfully helps us express our emotions, especially rage, and offers us a psychological boost when we conquer our anxieties of dying.
Research indicates that individuals with Internet gaming disorder utilize games as a means of expressing and occasionally evading their emotions. The incapacity of those with gaming disorders to control and regulate their emotions, including anger, sadness, fear, and other emotions, makes them more prone to becoming violent, unhappy, and nervous.
Children’s social lives are negatively impacted on a societal level. Children who play video games for extended periods may become isolated. Video games will always be a child’s preferred pastime above reading, playing sports, doing their homework, and performing well in school.
This may hinder their ability to interact with others in real life. Consequently, there is an increased risk of adjustment disorder, anxiety, depression, and stress in their personal, professional, and educational lives. This brings up the psychological impact of video games.
The first basic mental scam that springs to mind is video game addiction. The addictive behavior is sparked by the surge of competition adrenaline, the satisfaction of finishing a level or just winning, or the excitement of any game that is just difficult enough to keep the player coming back for more.
Children become addicted to the game and spend hours playing it on their smartphones. This leads to a lack of productivity, an imbalance in their eating and sleep schedules, and a host of health problems, including obesity, migraines, sleep disturbances, backaches, and bad vision.
To put it lightly, these games can have a noticeable impact on a child’s likelihood of developing a phobia, excessive aggression and violence, social anxiety, insomnia, hostility, and even drug usage in addition to gaming addiction.
A 2019 study also discovered a link between problematic gaming and negative affectivity, low self-esteem, maladaptive coping mechanisms, a predilection for isolation, subpar academic achievement, and poor psychological health.
By the time the patients visit the clinic, the majority typically suffer from behavioural problems, lack of sleep, and poor communication skills, among other issues. For roughly six to eight weeks, people with gaming disorder typically receive intensive therapy during which they learn coping mechanisms for cravings, discomfort management techniques, cognitive reframing, and substitution activities. But the gaming addiction is more nuanced. It goes far beyond simply becoming complacent about how many hours you spend gaming and not knowing when to quit. The first step toward developing a sense of control and self-awareness—and, ultimately, the ability to recognize when to seek professional assistance—is knowing when to stop.
In conclusion, though, excess is never a good thing. When games are played mindfully and in moderation, they can serve as useful stress relievers and promote social skill development and mental health enhancement.
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