Video games
of today have become a mainstream source of entertainment and stress relief for
millions. The video game industry is among the lucrative businesses in the
world. Technological advancements, social media, and the internet have
continued to boost the popularity and pervasiveness of video games in society. Many
continue to believe that video games cause gun violence and increase aggression
(Hollingdale & Grietemeyer, 2014). However, video games have been shown to
enhance problem-solving, social interactions, and provide an outlet for
stress-relief (Choi et al., 2020). Video games are becoming more steeped in
our lives and the world we live in. Contrary to popular belief, there are
various benefits to playing video games.
First-person shooters (FPS) are one of the most popular types of
video games on the market. These FPS and other violent games are often credited
with causing gun violence. While playing violent games has been shown to
increase aggression, there is little to research on the connection between
video games and mass violence (Hollingdale & Grietemeyer, 2014). In fact,
other studies have shown that video games can improve cognitive function such
as problem-solving and attention (Choi et al., 2020). Media and new
technologies have now made it possible to integrate video games into schools
for learning purposes. Perhaps more importantly, video games offer a safe outlet
for stress. A study among medical school students, some of the most stressed
individuals in society, showed that playing video games can help relieve stress
and increase overall well-being (Goswami & Salvi, 2020). Research has shown
that playing video games can stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine
(Koepp et al., 1998). Video games are not as harmful as many parties may like to
believe. This is not to say that video games do not have their drawbacks and
like all things, everything should be done in moderation. As games continue to
play an integral part in modern lifestyles we must conduct more research to
determine how video games affect us.
Choi E, Shin S, Ryu J, Jung K, Kim S. and Park M. (2020). Commercial
video games and cognitive functions: Video game genres and modulating factors
of cognitive enhancement. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 16, 1.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.dml.regis.edu/10.1186/s12993-020-0165-z
Goswami, G., & Salvi, S. (2020). Video gaming, physiological
responses, and well-being in medical students: An essence of intrigue way of
learning. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and
Pharmacology, 10(6), 468-472.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.dml.regis.edu/10.5455/njppp2020.10.03067202025032020
Hollingdale, J., & Greitemeyer, T. (2014). The effect of
online violent video games on levels of aggression. PLoS One, 9(11)
doi:http://dx.doi.org.dml.regis.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0111790
Koepp, M. J., Gunn, R. N., Lawrence, A. D., Cunningham, V. J.,
& al, e. (1998). Evidence for striatal dopamine release during a video
game. Nature, 393(6682), 266-8.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.dml.regis.edu/10.1038/30498
It is relieving to see society transition away from the idea that violent video games are a statistically significant predictor for mass violence later in life. Now society can focus its attention on a truly worrisome manifestation of video games: addiction. I agree with you that moderation is a pillar for healthy living, but when billions of dollars are spent developing products with the intent of designing them to be as pleasurable as possible to their users, that pillar may just collapse. I read about a study that measured dopamine release in the brains of subjects who were asked to play video games (Weinstein, 2010). The data was then compared to data collected from a second group of ex-chronic "ecstasy" users (Weinstein, 2010). The study concluded that the reward circuitry observed in the gamers was strikingly similar to the neural patterns observed in those with substance dependence.
ReplyDeleteI am just as excited about the gaming industry's evolution as the next player. Video games become more fun every year, and there are no signs of that stopping. Will they one day become "too" fun to the point that most consumers struggle to moderate themselves? Are we they already?
Reference
Weinstein, A. (2010). Computer and video game addiction-a comparison between game users and non-game users. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 36(5), 268–276. https://doi.org/10.3109/00952990.2010.491879
Some other interesting (to me) and beneficial aspects of video games include improved academic performance and increased social skills for those who utilize multiplayer games. In a study covering 3000 young European children, they found that those individuals who fell under the “high usage” category (5+ hours of video game play a week) all had positive associations with mathematics, spelling, and reading, as well as maintaining motivation to succeed at school.
ReplyDeleteChildren who were high usage also showed increased prosocial skills, especially as these types of games have become quite popular. Most people playing video games play with their friends, and actively interact with them to complete tasks or goals, increasing their communication skills, teambuilding skills, and problem-solving skills. I would be unsurprised if the maturation of these abilities is part of what leads to the competence shown in the realm of academia.
However, this study does have some limitations. They were unable to properly evaluate any connection between video games and mental health, as there was an issue of time in the longitudinal aspect. The amount of video game usage was reported by the mother of the child, which could possibly lead to under or over estimation. Despite these aspects, it seems to me that video games offer many positive outcomes that can often be overlooked by those who do not participate in them.
Kovess-Masfety, V., Keyes, K., Hamilton, A., Hanson, G., Bitfoi, A., Golitz, D., Koç, C., Kuijpers, R., Lesinskiene, S., Mihova, Z., Otten, R., Fermanian, C., & Pez, O. (2016). Is time spent playing video games associated with mental health, cognitive and social skills in young children? Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(3), 349–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1179-6