You're parents always say that video games are bad for you. Some studies support that while others say that video games can help develop a child's brain. Both are correct according to this study. The "right" of video game will help develop a kid's brain. But, violent games, such as Battlefield or Call of Duty are known to make children more violent.
In a study where 33 laparoscopic surgeons were brought together to train their surgical skills, they used a video game related simulation. The game had better predicting and testing abilities than regular training. On the other hand, in studies where kid's and even adults were exposed to violent games, they patients were prone to addiction and obesity. This brings another issue into question. How long should we spend playing this games?
The study does not suggest what we should do, but only gives suggestion on how we should judge the amount of games we play. The most important factors are Content, Structure, and Mechanics. The amount of time is also considered, but it is based upon the the former 4. Content refers to what the video games contain. Obviously educational games are good for the person, but in teenagers, how many of us really enjoy educational games over thrill-inducing ones? In non-educational games, there are many categories. A video game’s on-screen structure contributes to its effects. For example, some games require a player to scan the screen constantly for small changes, such as signals announcing the sudden appearance of a “dot,” and to respond quickly to these changes. (ex. Cytus) The mechanics of a video can affect the player motor skills (ex. Cytus). The mechanics is usually beneficial for the player as it improves hand-eye coordination, and in some cases, reaction times. The things need to be taken into consideration when judging how long one should play a video game.
However, it still leaves lots of doubt and controversy of whether video games are good for you or not. What do you guys think?
I think they are good in moderation.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting article! I found that mechanics being an important factor in the amount of games we play was interesting. I believe that while some games are created to be educational, many are made just for excitement. Just be careful about how much time you spend playing!
ReplyDeleteEven though video games can be somewhat good for you, that shouldn't be an excuse to play them excessively. There are so many more useful activities that provide even more benefits than video games do. For example, Cytus can improve hand-eye coordination, but so can playing a sport, which will also keep you active and healthy unlike a video game. I think it would be better to invest your time and energy into those kinds of activities instead of playing video games.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that there was a video game for practice in surgery. I also agree with you that games like Cytus do improve your reaction time however, so do games like Call of duty and Battlefield 4 so I am confused. I do agree however, that video games are bad for you and that they could become addicting. I think a better alternative would be play sports that improve your reaction time and awareness such as tennis or basketball.
ReplyDeleteWell I totally disagree with the statement that violent video games makes a person violent. Back when I played video games in middle school, I used to play a lot of violent games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield, but I feel that none of these games had an actual effect on me that made me more violent. Many of my friends also play such games but do not get violent, these games rather than being bad have made better motor skills to the people who play them.
ReplyDeleteI feel that it depends on how you look at it. Sometimes, you have the capability to find the educational experience in everything. For example, going to a party may seem bad instead of studying, but it could be justified by saying that you are merely studying the behavior of people in multiple different environments and under different circumstances. In some ways, video games are beneficial not only with motor skills and reaction times, but it can also help stress levels. However, spending too much time on video games can diminish your eyesight as well motivation to do other things like going outside or reading a book. I feel video games are neither good nor bad.
ReplyDeleteVideo games are just like everything: They can either be good or bad. It just depends on how you use them. Personally, I sincerely doubt video games will be used on the sole purpose to improve, as you mentioned, things like hand-eye coordination, but that doesn't mean that these are things you can't improve while having fun. A good example would be a game like StarCraft 2 (shameless plug), as this game is the absolute test to see if you have the skills to micro manage, to be able to handle multiple things at the same time. That's a skill that could definitely be used in real life.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good article, I myself play some video games, but I'm more attracted to the sports kinds and the occasional strategy ones rather than blowing off heads. Others may not notice, but violent games can trigger changes in a person without the subject noticing. The changes become more apparent to other individuals rather than the host which I find a little disturbing. However, I agree the certain games also improve hand-eye coordination, such as holding down a button for the right amount of time to get off that perfect shot in Fifa.
ReplyDeleteNice story. This topic has been highly debated over the years. I feel that some video games (call of duty) will make you violent only if you play for long periods of time.
ReplyDeleteNice story. This topic has been highly debated over the years. I feel that some video games (call of duty) will make you violent only if you play for long periods of time.
ReplyDeleteWow that’s pretty cool. I think they are healthy, everything is healthy, basically if it is done in proportion. It defiantly can get unhealthy and can even take over your whole life! I wonder if they make video game rehab centres.. they should start to.. it's taking over so many peoples lives!
ReplyDeleteI believe that the addictive aspect of video should be explored and analyzed more thoroughly than the violent part. This is because the violence debate over video games has been long disputed, and I believe there hasn't been enough substantial evidence to back up that people are prompted to do violent things to other people in real life simply because of a game. The addiction is the real killer, it is slow to happen, but once the addiction manifests, it is hard to stop. People have also thrown away their lives and money over inherently violent games such as World of Warcraft and other long, MMORPG's.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that it is absurd that video games are considered bad, regarding the violent aspect. People believe that the violence from video games cause the violent nature of children, however, considering the thousands of children that play and do not go gun blazing at the nearest coffee shop. Those who do, there is always a different reason, whether it be mental disabilities, or from negative interactions with others.
ReplyDeleteI find this article very intriguing, and I also heard that video games, make people have faster reactions, due to suspenseful games, making them react to things faster in real life. I believe all games are not bad, depending on what you do with it. For example, I believe children, should play games on their maturity level. If they are immature, they shouldn't play games like Call of Duty. Great article!
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