Video games can improve cognitive and behavioral abilities, according to research. But one must equally acknowledge that excessive exposure to video games by children may have negative impacts.
Video games can in fact cause one to acquire inappropriate behaviors, just as some games can assist one develop their cognitive and perceptual abilities. It has been demonstrated that playing pro-social games increased "helping" behavior, whereas playing violent games increased "harming" behavior. In fact, a longitudinal study directed by Dr. Gentile, a pioneer in the field of the cognitive effects of video games, found that children who played more pro-social games early in the school year subsequently displayed more helpful behaviors. The contrary is also true, in that children who played more violent games tended to behave less helpfully rather than violently, even though they did not always do so.
Some studies also indicate that youngsters who can maintain their focus on fast-moving and constantly stimulating games have a harder time doing so during slower-paced activities. This is in addition to the habituation to violence and "less-helpful" behaviors that violent video games might bestow. A person finds it more difficult to focus on a slower-paced, less stimulating activity when he is used to being stimulated at a high rate of presentation for long periods of time. In fact, excessive internet use or gameplay can have negative effects on behavior such as social withdrawal, loneliness, depression, or even heightened irritability and difficulty focusing on less stimulating work or within less rewarding social environments. Other issues also arise through prolonged gaming sessions or when "addiction" creeps in.
Additionally, time spent playing also equates to less time spent studying or participating in sports: while it is common for some kids or even college students to put less effort into completing assignments or studying for exams, which compromises success, others will be more vulnerable to health issues like neck pain, weakened cardiovascular function, or weight gain.
The emergence of violent video games can also desensitize audiences, moving them away from sentimental behavior and toward cold, realistic action. After being exposed to violence, some players may become apathetic or less reactive when confronted with violent situations in real life. These are some of the motives behind why the military is using such games to recruit more people (the others being that video games can be considered as training regimens for specific skills, like flight simulators for flying drones, for instance). Desensitization does, however, have its place in some contexts, situations, or professions; for instance, during surgical procedures, surgeons must be trained to remain emotionless.
This is wonderfully summarized by Dr. Gentile: "Whatever we do repeatedly impacts the brain, and if we practice aggressive methods of thinking, feeling, and reacting, then we will improve at them. This is not to claim that playing violent video games would automatically result in violent behavior, as human aggression is complicated and multifactorial. However, it does imply that we are playing out this script when we practice being watchful for opponents and swiftly responding to potentially violent situations."
While there are unquestionably beneficial uses for video games, it's vital to keep in mind that excessive exposure can also result in negative behavior. Moderation is vital, and a child who can maintain self-control, manage his time well, and balance duty and necessity with leisure will learn the appropriate manners for leading a balanced life.
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