Videogames controversy: why some people are opposed to games.
Television's impact on people has been the subject of research and debate for years, with respected psychological organizations weighing in on the topic and confirming links between TV violence and real-life aggression. Recently, that debate has shifted over to video games, many of which are violent. Here are some of the reasons that people are opposed to video games.
- More and more teens and young children are playing these violent games. Most are able to differentiate between fantasy and reality, and see the games as entertainment and nothing more. However, some become immersed in the game, which might desensitize them to violence and make them prone to lash out.
- Time spent playing video games is likely to take away thought, time and focus from schoolwork or a person's job.
- These games provide nearly instant gratification, and if a game is lost, it can easily be restarted. That quality leads some players to exhibit signs of addiction.
Parents should limit their children's use of video games, especially violent ones. They should encourage their kids to play in moderation and combine the games with other activities that provide both a mental and physical workout. We should find out more about these games and the effects on the human brain, and how the games can either supplement or detract from a person's emotional, intellectual and social development.