Computer Games: Dangerous or Beneficial

Computer games are games played on personal computers, complete with visual and audio features, and user controls. Computer game was reported to exist as early as the 1960’s. SpaceWar!, one of the earliest computer games was created in 1961 by Alan Kotok and Martin Graetz – both MIT students, and Steve Russell an employee.

Earliest form of computer games is text-based and played by typing commands on the keyboard. During the 1980’s, personal computers became so powerful so that earlier performance and capabilities constraints were lifted,  and graphics becoming an important component and factor in games.

Alongside the advancement in technology and widespread use of computers in the world today, Computer Games surge to great popularity and widespread consumption by people of all ages most notably the young. Computer games offer almost real-life videos, images, graphics, and sounds, cutting edge technologies, extraordinary storyline and concept, and overall fantastic experience.

With this development, some concerns were raised on the effects of these computer games on the avid gamers. Computer games were blamed for many untoward incidents, activities, moral and health issues, behavioral changes and influence on the youth. Many studies were conducted to prove the negative effects of computer games while other studies were also conducted in defense and to prove its benefits. This prompt many to ask – Are computer games beneficial or dangerous to the consumers of this product and the society as a whole?

Many studies worldwide were conducted to establish and proved the negative effects of Computer Games. Many of these studies in the field of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Psychology, and Behavior pointed out many problems arising from or influence by Computer games. Here are some of the problems identified by these studies.

• Increase in symptoms of emotional disorder – depression, isolation, obesity, and the likes.
• Increase in symptoms of behavioral disorder – aggressiveness.
• Decrease in verbal recollection performance.
• Somatic complaints.
• Attention problems like ADD, ADHD, and hyperactivity.
• Detrimental school performance for increase game usage.
• Less positive family interaction and relations.
• Significant reduced quantity of (REM) slow-wave sleep.
• Visual selective attention modifications.
• Physically violent behavior.
• Bad influence and effects on gamers by violent computer games.
• Moral deterioration promoted by the idea of “Rewards on violent behavior” in computer games.
• Increase risk of obesity, postural, skeletal and muscular disorders.
• Detrimental to the development of the social skills and social sensitivity.

On the other hand, several studies and researches were conducted to determine and proved the benefits of computer games. Computer games – according to these studies are the essential type of entertainment that can develop the minds of the players. Aside from the cool graphics, fantastic sounds, and intriguing plots, computer games are very educational. Here are some benefits of computer games.

• Help improves strategic planning – a trait needed in real life, planning ahead.
• Help enhanced problem solving skills tremendously, as computer games subject the players to a variety of problems and challenges in the game.
• Help improves Hand-Eye coordination, as most gaming requires quick reaction time and faster hand movements.
• Help encouraged speedy and correct Decision-Making, as some games utilize the element of shock and time limits.
• Help enhanced and provokes the imagination, as game plots are very intriguing and complex.
• Encourage Adventurism and Bravery, as games offer a sense of control to the players to decide from a variety of choices and consequences.
• It improves memorization and concentration.
• Computer games promote Endurance, Patience, and Dedication.
• Games are used as a distraction for patients under painful treatments.
• Games relieve stress.
• Games are effective in physiotherapy.
• Games encourage team play and cooperation.
• Games are used for treating phobia through specialized game simulations.
• Games help treating language disabilities in children.
• Tremendous source of brain stimulus and exercises.

It is very difficult to decide which side outweighs the other. The most important thing is to identify its effect on the individual level, and to indulge in computer games in a controlled and moderated manner. In case of children, it is highly recommended for parents to oversee their children’s gaming routine and choice of computer games.