Have
you ever thought about what you’re playing is physically affecting you? Well I,
for one, have not. Recent issues on video games, however, have sparked my interest
to look deeper into the matter. Although video games aren’t typically known for
bringing out the best of a person, most people don’t know what about video
games affect them. Yes, you can have increased reflexes and yes, you can obtain
great eye coordination but if you see it in a different perspective, will you
still think video games are worth it?
According
to an article, video games and one’s physical health have a pretty direct relationship
with one another. Most people while playing video enjoy eating snacks or drinking
soda and may not even notice it. This could lead to over eating if one’s not
paying close attention and at the same time a way to empty your wallet faster
in the desperation for more food. Distractions like this from video games can
also lead to other mistakes such as forgetting a homework assignment or a date
you and your friends made.
Playing
video game is an easy way to lock someone up into their room for days on end.
This could mean losing outside communication, but more importantly, outside
physical exercise. Physical exercise is a necessity for almost every human to
stay healthy and fit. What video games do is take that away from the individual
as instead of spending time working out; the person would rather spend it
sitting down on the coach doing nothing. The NPD Group revealed in their studies
that there are over 34 million “core gamers” with an average of 22 hours a week
spent on video games. This means 34 million people locked in their room for
hours doing nothing but video games.
Video
games can affect a person in other negative ways other than physically. According
to this article on video games affecting students, they state that violent
video games can cause violent people. In 2008, a study to see the correlation
between violent video games and unhealthy behaviors was taken. The study revealed that violent video games
can cause increased aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior. In another
article, however, through two years on study, it’s revealed that kids become less
violent even while playing violent video games because the kids matured.
However, these kids will still be slightly more aggressive than those kids who
didn’t play the video games.
Although
it’s fine for one to pick up on that last saved file every once and awhile, too
much of a “good” thing can become bad. Don’t forget too that there is always
more to life than what is inside your house. So what do you think? Do you want to put that
controller down and go for a jog?
Sources
I agree with you that too many hours playing video games are bad. For example, Call of Duty Modern Warfare desensitizes people from violence because of the constant shootings. I believe, like your first article stated, there needs to be a balance between physical exercise and video gaming. However, the violence in video games still affects people negatively. Do you believe people should continue to play these video games that make them violent for entertainment?
ReplyDeleteI think the reason games affect people negatively is a lack of balance within the person's life. If a gamer knew how to juggle all the different aspects of his day, he could still play 22 hours a week and eat plenty, yet still be a healthy individual with a social life. He just has to be aware of his responsibilities and his indulgences.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to mention that games aren't bad. They are a way of connecting people. They break language and social barriers because you don't need to be popular or speak English to play a game. What is necessary is that you find or make a friend that enjoys the same game, enhancing the experience for you and your buddy. Even a guy thousands of miles away that's yelling in Russian shares a connection with you. It makes victory with or against him that much sweeter.
I agree with what you have to say. It is true that many hours of video games is a bad thing and it can lead to physical and psychological problems for people, and it is also true that playing video games can also have some positive effects as well, if it isn't played too long. However, I must disagree with the fact that video games cause people to lose outside communication because most games are online now and can be played with friends, so it is a good way to stay in contact with friends, especially someone isn't available on that particular day. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
ReplyDeleteNice post, I'll have to agree with everything you said. Video games do endanger one's life both physically and mentally. You can't just play games all day, there's things in the real world that need to be done too. Video games affecting violence has always been sort of a myth to me, so it's nice you included two studies that contradict each other. Overall, cool post!
ReplyDeleteBut like Victor said, it would've been nice to include just a little more of the positive side of gaming. Video games don't just affect people negatively, it can connect and educate them too.