How Do Video Games Affect Young People?

Society in general tends to believe that video games especially affect young people in a negative way. However, it is essential to identify which of these perceptions are myths and which are evidence-based.

As with the rest of the technology out there today, video games have their uses. However, there are many variables at play, such as:

• age
• the amount of time played
• the themes covered by the video games
• even the characteristics of the users – in this case teenagers

How do video games affect young people?

Several studies have shown that certain video games can improve cognitive parameters, as well as the ability to solve problems and process information.

However, other reputable researchers warn of potential risks. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) in North America emphasizes that. They give to:

“On average, girls spend more than an hour a day playing video games and boys spend more than two hours in front of the computer. Teenagers spend even more time on it than younger children.”

In addition, researchers at the AACAP point out that video games have become highly sophisticated and realistic. It is therefore of fundamental importance to be aware of the possible dangers and to be careful.

• Some games connect to the Internet, allowing children and teens to play and have conversations with adults and unfamiliar players.

• Some games contain educational content. However, many of the popular games also have negative aspects. For example, they promote violence against other people and animals.
• Some video games even display biased or discriminatory features, gender violence, and stereotypes that reinforce the persistence of certain negative stigmas.

Potential effects of the use of video games by young people

Most of these concerns relate to the effect of excessive video game play on young people and their level of involvement with the roles and characters, as well as difficulties in controlling the amount of time played.

What are the possible harmful effects of playing too many video games?

While we can’t cover all the negative effects of playing video games, it’s important to know the following effects:

• Less time to socialize with friends and family.
• Insufficient time for school and leisure activities.
• Less exercise and a more sedentary lifestyle, resulting in a higher risk of obesity.

What can you do about it?

• Families and educational institutions should encourage better use of video games. As a result, the negative effects will diminish and the benefits will be more apparent instead.
• Choose video games that you can play with your children and be sure to talk about the content of the game. Also monitor social interactions that take place through the video game.

• It is also important to establish specific play schedules and strictly enforce these time limits.

In an interesting publication, Ana Ramos points out that there are many different video games. She says about this:

“ Video games like this are games that move from one platform to another, in successive screens where you have to overcome obstacles at the same time. They promote a faster thought process because the action is fast. Precisely for this reason, however, they can cause a lot of fatigue and reduce concentration during subsequent activities.”

The author also points out the existence of sports and non-sports related games, as well as simulation and shooting or fighting games that involve fast-paced combat with martial arts or firearms.

These violent games are perhaps the most infamous and have given video games in general a bad name. Some studies show that these violent types of games can increase the propensity for violence in children who play these video games.

Summarized

• Video games exist and will continue to exist, so it’s not a good idea to ban them. Instead, adequate supervision – for example by playing along – is the best option. It allows parents to show young people how to use technology safely from an early age.
• It is important to eradicate myths that claim there is always a negative link between adolescence and video games. The truth is that this topic is complicated. Like anything, video games can be quite good and even provide benefits, if used properly.

• Consult with other parents, teachers and experts about these issues. When parents don’t know how to guide their teen, conversations with others can be helpful.