Is Addiction to Video Games Real - Essay Example

Is addiction to video games real? It is a fact that most people might have heard of an organization called Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from friends, movies, or television. It may be spoken about as a joke or sometimes seriously for its help with people addicted to drinking or associated with other drugs. However, I believe in recent years, many parents are becoming concerned for a new form of addiction that does not involve intake of substance within the body rather than the mind. In the early years of video games, these were considered primarily the choice games of computer nerds – young, smart people who could afford computers and its games. They were used for relaxing and challenging different realms of entertainment. However, today, anyone can afford a computer and gain access to video games. The types and appeals of the games have also changed and the industry has grown with a number of dedicated followers. From what used to be a pastime of an exclusive group has now become an obsession for masses concerning young people. I am of the opinion that until recently, this new issue is not as well understood or taken seriously as other addictions. However, it is important to know the reality of how video games are affecting players and the serious impacts that are having on their lives. I am certain that these video games are helpful towards learning for students with problems in a standard, large classroom by including strategy, role-playing, sports, puzzles and adventure, that appeal to a wide range of interests in kids. Using video games as teaching tools should not be a substitute for teachers or aides who interact with the students on a regular basis. From a personal stance, having video games in the classroom may encourage students to become so focused on the gaming experience that they fail to do even the most basic assignments or make it to school at other days. In some cases, their lives may be totally consumed with playing these games. I believe that it would be too easy for the students to expect learning to be all about gaming and fun, and lose the experience of interacting and communicating in the atmosphere of the classrooms. Many students are already much isolated in the home environments and rely on computers for companionship. My belief is that the video gaming should be carefully integrated into the educational process in special circumstances. Students should not be encouraged to think of video games as a substitute for the learning process through educational studies. Significantly speaking on my part, related studies have indicated that the introduction of video games in the classrooms have negative side effects on young people. Also, some parents believe there are bad side effects on students’ performance in schools. It’s not just from the kind of games but the time spent in playing these games after school that takes time away from students in reading books, playing with friends and learning about their communities. Furthermore as I may believe, as children spend more time with video games, they lose touch with the real world and the ability to communicate and interact in an able manner within the society in the future. These behavioral qualities are directly related to the ability of kids to effectively get along in the society. Video games can have a significant impact on the socialization of kids and how they are related to other human beings in expressing their emotions and responding to difficult situations. I am sure more importantly, they turn their lives into the reality of the games and become desensitized to the feelings of others, hence getting naïve with the understanding of the consequences of the violent actions. Their worlds in reality and in the video games become one and the same. As they become more involved into the characters of the games, they may get more isolated from their friends and families, which further increase their problems in relating to other people. Even though this issue is an ongoing one, and with no conclusive results proven as yet, video games must be rated just as movies are, to indicate the level of violence and suitability age groups for which they are recommended. As with most experiences, kids are affected in various ways and respond differently to different situations. Parents must monitor the source of their kids’ fun and this is just a tool to control this potentially addictive outlet available to them. While a direct connection may be evident at this time, parents should be watchful of the potential for video games’ impact on their kids. I opine that as the gaming industry develops to provide more sophisticated games to meet the growing adult demands, kids are in more access to influence beyond their level of maturity and ability to comprehend. These video games are teaching young kids about life in ways that may not reflect the values their parents want to instill. Even though the kids may be learning from a computer, parents still have an obligation to monitor what they are learning. There are devices that help control what sites kids may visit or not view. I know that just looking at rating does not tell the entire story. There are also websites that review and rate the content of games for things such as violence, sex, drug use, and the message presented. Parents must be mindful of how much time their kids are spending playing video games so that they can intervene before addiction or the influence of undesirable influences takes over the personalities of their children. As a matter of fact and to summarize, parents can help by encouraging participation in a wide range of activities, talking with them about their critical values, establishing caring relationships, and how to seek alternative, nonviolent solutions to problems. The playing of video games is undoubtedly the favorite pastime of kids today. As kids grow older, more companies are developing video games to keep their attention as they age. As with other new sources of release and entertainment, addiction will increase. There is a chance now to monitor the effects of excessive video gaming through more research studies and by developing strategies to mitigate its effects. Read More