The advantages and disadvantages of playing video games (Semester Task)
The new trend which marks the 21st century is ‘playing
video games’. It began in the early 80’s with games like Pac-Man and Super Mario.
Nowadays, with the expansion of this industry many people spend their free time
playing. But there is a question: “Is playing video games good or bad?” As far
as I’m concerned, video games have both pros and cons.
Without a doubt, computer games have improved our lives for the better. Everyone likes to spend their time doing something pleasant other than work or study. Studies show that video games help to reduce stress, improve problem-solving skills, memory, speed, accuracy, flexibility, etc. Playing first person shooter games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield series enables the player to effectively judge what information should be stored in his working memory and what can be discarded considering the task at hand, according to a study published in the Psychological Research. Moreover, some games which contain violent aspect help people to let out their anger and frustration accumulated during the day. There are also educational games which help children to expand their vocabulary, improve creativity, and so on. For example, when a child plays a game such as Angry Birds or Cut the Rope, he trains his brain to come up with creative ways to solve puzzles and other problems in short bursts. “Video games change your brain,” according to University of Wisconsin psychologist C. Shawn Green. Another benefit is that playing computer games improves social skills. Since most games have multiplayer and the function of texting or talking in voice chat, it becomes easy to explain the in-game situation, communicate, or just find new friends.
But there are also some problems connected with gaming. First of all, spending too much time in front of the screen leads to health problems. The impact of an excessive visual environment is evident as a large number of children these days start wearing spectacles from an early age. Such problems as sleep deprivation, obesity, backaches, headaches are also present and should be avoided or treated. Also, from a psychological point of view a lot of people who are mentally unstable may become more aggressive and even hostile when they have some in-game difficulties. Furthermore, one of the biggest concerns of video gaming is that most children prefer spend their free time indoors instead of going outside and gather together with their buddies. The article by Hern, Alex. “From Pac-Mania to Fortnite Fever: Are Video Games Becoming More Addictive?” The Guardian, 14 Nov. 2018, bit.ly/2Rk0NyJ is devoted to the discussion of how children become more addicted to video games through the years. The author comes to the conclusion that games such as Fortnite should provide entertainment but not “by hijacking the brain’s biases and turning teens into money spigots with their parents’ credit cards”.
To sum up, it is obvious that video games has either advantages and disadvantages. No one can deny that games help us take a break from routine, have fun, chat with friends, and so on. But every action should be in moderation so that the situation does not go out of control and result in irreparable consequences.
Without a doubt, computer games have improved our lives for the better. Everyone likes to spend their time doing something pleasant other than work or study. Studies show that video games help to reduce stress, improve problem-solving skills, memory, speed, accuracy, flexibility, etc. Playing first person shooter games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield series enables the player to effectively judge what information should be stored in his working memory and what can be discarded considering the task at hand, according to a study published in the Psychological Research. Moreover, some games which contain violent aspect help people to let out their anger and frustration accumulated during the day. There are also educational games which help children to expand their vocabulary, improve creativity, and so on. For example, when a child plays a game such as Angry Birds or Cut the Rope, he trains his brain to come up with creative ways to solve puzzles and other problems in short bursts. “Video games change your brain,” according to University of Wisconsin psychologist C. Shawn Green. Another benefit is that playing computer games improves social skills. Since most games have multiplayer and the function of texting or talking in voice chat, it becomes easy to explain the in-game situation, communicate, or just find new friends.
But there are also some problems connected with gaming. First of all, spending too much time in front of the screen leads to health problems. The impact of an excessive visual environment is evident as a large number of children these days start wearing spectacles from an early age. Such problems as sleep deprivation, obesity, backaches, headaches are also present and should be avoided or treated. Also, from a psychological point of view a lot of people who are mentally unstable may become more aggressive and even hostile when they have some in-game difficulties. Furthermore, one of the biggest concerns of video gaming is that most children prefer spend their free time indoors instead of going outside and gather together with their buddies. The article by Hern, Alex. “From Pac-Mania to Fortnite Fever: Are Video Games Becoming More Addictive?” The Guardian, 14 Nov. 2018, bit.ly/2Rk0NyJ is devoted to the discussion of how children become more addicted to video games through the years. The author comes to the conclusion that games such as Fortnite should provide entertainment but not “by hijacking the brain’s biases and turning teens into money spigots with their parents’ credit cards”.
To sum up, it is obvious that video games has either advantages and disadvantages. No one can deny that games help us take a break from routine, have fun, chat with friends, and so on. But every action should be in moderation so that the situation does not go out of control and result in irreparable consequences.
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