Intro
Since May 5, 1992, marking the release of the first-person-shooter, WOLFENSTEIN 3D, academics have argued the effects of video games on the development of youth. For the last 20 years, arsenals of evidence have mounted on both sides of the debate. Here are some examples of typical arguments from each side:Pro-Video Games
The basic Pro-argument is based on testimonials video gamers make themselves. These gamers insist that gaming improves hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, teamwork (online play) and the ability to think abstractly. They further insist that playing violent video games has no "real-life" effect on them. Some studies have shown temporary rises in "fight-or-flight" aggression, but no apparent long-term effects. Further study will be required for conclusive evidence.
Video game violence has become an increasingly sensitive issue in the past 10 years. Numerous video game studies were funded after the 1999 Columbine HS shootings to discover the connection between school shootings and playing violent video games. According to this University study, there is no statistically significant correlation: "A researcher at Texas A&M International University has concluded that there is 'no significant relationship' between school shootings and playing violent video games." (source)
Against Video Games
The leading voice in this group include moral conservatives including government, church and community groups. These fundamentalists claim that video games essentially erode the brain. If video games don't melt the neural synapses between brain cells causing emotional indifference and social decay, then they mutate the brain into a psychotic killing mechanism! Video games are addictive and can be a source of despondence from familial interaction as well as with reality.
Although there have been studies that have found video game violence to actually have little negative effects on their players, there are also many studies that HAVE found a positive correlation between negative behavior, such as aggression, and video and computer game violence. Popular example, Columbine.
My $.02
In an effort to contribute to this epic conversation, I'd like to offer some fresh ideas in support of both the pro and con sides of this argument.
More Pro Arguments
1. Classic novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom postulates that when we die, we are given the opportunity to make sense of our lives, deaths, and the mysteries throughout our lives. This can be a very confusing and frustrating time for a disembodied spirit.First-person-shooter video games provide important practice for this time in our soul's progression. When one is killed in a first-person-shooter, they are given time before they respawn to replay the moment of their death and see exactly what happened from every possible perspective. Disembodied players can also follow around both teammates and opponents to see what their objectives were/are. Video gamers become accustomed to this ritual and will, therefore, have less trouble adjusting in the hereafter.
2. With a continuing rise in child obesity, America must find a new diet solution--The video Game Diet. Personal experience has shown that less food is necessary when engaged in video gaming. The virtual stimuli emitted by video games saps the need for physical nutrition. Gamers can spend hours upon hours in front of their TVs without sustenance. Parents must capitalize on this phenomenon by withholding junk food from gamers when it is requested. Do you see where I'm going here? If a gamer on the "Gamers Diet" requests junk food, simply tell him/her that you'll bring it in to them in "Ten minutes". Ten minutes then becomes one hour. And one hour extends to 3 hours. Etc. When the gamer is sufficiently hungry, he/she will emerge from the vegetative state and consume the required nutrients for survival. Parents cannot be held responsible for neglect in a court of law if the cabinets remained unlocked. Breakdown: Video games (- constant supply of junk food) = Skinny kids. Think about it; seriously.
3. Video games saved this 12-year-old young man's life (along with the life of his little sister).
Boy Saves Sister from Moose Attack with World of Warcraft Skills.
More Arguments Against
Actually, I prefer to let my sisters, Feather and Belle, fill in this section for me in the comments section below. I'm sure anything they write would be far superior to my attempts at arguing the cause.Breaking News on the Discussion
A recent article in The Onion reports that, Eighty-seven percent of Americans are ill-equipped to deal with solar flares, giant comets, and an all-engulfing Armageddon. In this video clip, panelists debate whether games like Fallout 3 and Gears Of War 2 are teaching children skills they'll really need in the End Times.Are Violent Video Games Adequately Preparing Children For The Apocalypse?
Do you have heated opinions about this subject? Did video games ruin your life or the life of someone you love? Vent your frustrations on a live forum found at Serendip's Video Game Experience Forum.
As a casual gamer (mostly rpg), and a friend of a few serious gamers, I would say that video games do not cause violent rampages in MOST people. However, my argument against them is that they take up the time that they take up those precious non-school hours with nearly mindless, mostly vegetative stimulation, when these hours could be spent on bike rides, playing guitar, experiential learning (for high school boys, it's usually different ways to blow things up, i.e. learning important saftey lessons the hard way).
ReplyDeleteFrom my limited perspective, it's also more what the activity undoes, than what it does...it's such a distraction from all the great things we could be learning, sharing, doing and virtually squelches any form of service or spirituality. In addition, it seems that it's almost impossible to limit oneself to small, measured portions! :)
ReplyDeleteI know the Video Game Diet works. That 10 minutes turns into an average of 1.5 hours, at least in my experience. Maybe I should try it again as I appear to be more overweight than in high school when I played the video games alot.
ReplyDelete