BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF VIDEO GAMES

Behavioral effects of Video Games



Introduction

The issue that I have selected for this assignment is of significant importance in our society since it affects the relationship between parents and their children. It also causes long lasting behavioral effects on the minds of children. I will be dedicating my effort towards finding out whether Video Games encourage violent behaviors.

Every one of us has played video games in some part of our lives. The field of video and online gaming is vast, dynamic and ever-developing. Video and computer games have been a bone of contention between the parents and their children since 30 years now. It has long been a debatable issue whether these video games should be allowed to play or not. Most parents regards this activity has thoroughly time wasting; and complain that it rots the brain and results in lethargy. However if we look deep into this topic, we find out that it has both positive and negative aspects attached to it.

The only concern is to limit the amount of time that one should spend in playing these video games. It should not affect, in any case, on our studies. While most children have found many good reasons to defend their desire to play endlessly on these games, it still has not gained much of the parents' concern.

Discussion and Analysis

Violence, in any form, is undesirable and should be condemned. These video games have been blamed by both the media and the communities as one that promotes anti-social inclinations in the children's behavior and compel them to show violent gestures. This is also attributed to the fact that children lack a sense of moral responsibility and judgment about the kind of relationship they should cultivate with the media. The gamers' interaction with the video games is direct with no external support required. This way the video games dictate their codes into the minds of young gamers.

Let us first look at the brighter side of the picture where video games are considered full of benefits. First of all, these video games give the brain a real exercise. We think of ways and means to finish off missions in these games successfully. This creates a habit for the mind to think in different ways which means the brain works out. It utilizes the mental capabilities to its fullest extent. Furthermore, it also improves our motor and spatial skills and coordinates between the eyes and the hands.

These games also aid in creating abilities of managing various tasks simultaneously and working on many objectives at the same time. While playing the strategy games, one may encounter something different (hurdles in the game), upon which the player has to change the tactics and be flexible towards the environment. This also promotes quick thinking and taking prompt actions as situation appears. This habit, once established, helps the player in real life too and influences on his/her personality in positive way.

According to Daphne Beveller, a cognitive scientist from University ...