Video games are a full-fledged industry now. The industrial value of video games is over 10 billion dollars. Three out of five people play video games, whether it is on their smartphone or PC. Hence the demand is constantly increasing so is the competition. Game developers and designers are onto making games more interactive and realistic. Games let players access the virtual 3D or 2D world within a proper guideline.
Realistic war or car racing games, most of the video games include several graphic acts of violence. Other such graphic includes killing animals or mutilating them, sexual mistreatment, drug usage, and deviant behaviour. Many people claim these to be harmful to children or even adults. In other words, violent graphics displayed in video games can encourage gamers to get inclined towards criminal acts. So let’s discuss whether violent video games lead o real-life violence or not.
Video Games Starting to Become More Realistic
Like any other industry, the video game industry has evolved as well. The technology, playability, ability, etc., of video games, have developed. They are becoming incredibly life-like with realistic graphics. The industry is booming, and so is the concern about the effects of video games. This is mainly because children contribute a considerable part of the audience to video games. Many children whose personality is still forming might be negatively affected by the violent graphics. This makes it even more essential to study the effect of the behaviours of games on those who play.
Our personality dramatically influences our behaviour as well as thoughts. How a gamer responds to any video game directly depends on how they construe it. Hence, even if a match harms any gamer, it definitely won’t be the same for everyone.
Taking A Look At Researches
It is not in recent times that the concern for video games has arisen. However, the situation regarding the adverse effects of games persisted since the very beginning. Thus, multiple organizations and educational institutes have carried on considerable research on this. However, the result has primarily been in favour of video games. Many types of research have shown that children do not depict any aggressive behaviour after playing video games.
New research has recently been carried out. It proves that realistic video games do not encourage real-life violence. However, people and even mass media frequently link violent games with violence in real life. Well, this research proves it all wrong. You will mainly find people discussing this topic after public shootings, violent crimes operated by teenagers, and much more. Even though most commentators link it with mental health issues, others associate it with violent games.
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To evaluate the perfect results, researchers chose a group of individuals aged 8 to 18 years. Then, they used some econometric methods that determine the probable cause of violent games. However, researchers did not find single evidence against violent games. These games may agitate the children, but that does not transform into violence. But, many violence-prone children may be highly attracted to violent video games.
Yet a debate on ‘if violent video games influenced deviancy, violence rates would be going up instead of decreasing.’ Well, this myth or discussion is not valid. This is because violent games are not the factor behind the violence. Violent video games are hardly the reason behind societal violence. Moreover, it is not a reason to be labelled as ‘necessary. Multiple types of research have concluded that media violence is not the factor behind the violence.
You should know the truth! Now we are clear that video games do not influence violent behaviours. Studies proved that games consisting of realistic behaviour of killing do not lead to an increase in deviant behaviours.
Benefits of Playing Video Games
Positive effects depend on the personality of the individual and other factors. So, first but, let us take a look at the potential benefits of video games.
- Strategic, shooter and role-playing games seem to improve eye-sight, spatial, and problem-solving skills. These kinds of games even help to find resources or to even search for relevant information better.
- Role-playing games, prosocial and cooperative-based games have been known to elevate your mood and bring in positive feelings. They are even known to increase self-confidence and relaxation.
- Not just individual improvements but role-playing games ad cooperative games offer social benefits. They decrease the feeling of hostility, increase collective behaviours, reduce cognitive aggression. These games even help gamers to learn social skills quickly.
Investing Way Too Much Time In Playing Video Games
Well, this is an issue faced by a lot of parents. When an individual is giving too much time to a game, they are distracted from real-world opportunities. They start to refrain from routines and roles of real life. This tends to lead to the risk of loneliness and isolation.
Many experts have stated that massively multiplayer online role-playing games can affect the psychological of adolescents. Yet, most of the impact is hardly violent. But, this can be easily avoided by setting up some rules.
Setting Healthy Restrictions For Playing Violent Video Games
First things first, if you are concerned about your child’s aggressive behaviour, you must reduce exposure to violent materials. But, that is not the only thing that you must worry about.
Let’s keep in mind that less screen time does not mean appropriate media use. You must look after the quality of media they are exposed to. Here are some tips that will help you to set healthy video gaming restrictions.
- Keep A Check On Ratings
Ratings and reviews talk a lot. So keep a close check on these ratings and reviews. Check whether it is too graphic or violent for your child. You may even find reviews or ratings by other parents.
- Monitor the Games
Keep an eye on the games as well as the websites your child is using to access games. Only approve minor or child-friendly sites. Monitor the games your child keeps on his PC.
- Limiting the Screentime
It is a standard tip yet a useful one. Spending hours sitting in front of computer screens or consoles will harm your child. This habit can ruin their mental as well as physical well-being. Try to set screen time that is reasonable for you and your child. This applies to non-violent video games as well.
- Play Games With Them
Playing games with your child will give you an insight into the fun your child play. You will also understand the gaming culture and environment the kid is in. You can use this chance to discuss unhealthy messages that a game may have. It will also bring you close to your child.
- Considering Digital Detox
Digital detoxification is essential for children as well. Set a time to switch off all digital devices. It may be a weekend, a whole week, or even a month. This will benefit the cognitive behaviour and health of the child.
Conclusion
Getting to conclusions without accurate information about the game, its history, and the gamer’s personality is a waste of time. Many studies do not directly link violent video games with violent behaviours. Deviant behaviours mainly depend on the circumstance, situation, personality disorder, and mental health issues of an individual.
But, if there is any negative impact, it is to play video games for an excessive time. Nevertheless, to say it surely hurts the mental growth of children. This deprives individuals, including kids, of real-life opportunities and experiences. Video games are meant to entertain. It is better to keep it that way unless you are a professional gamer.
We must never forget that there is a world outside our computer screens. Video games are just one of many ways to stay entertained. It is important to experience life out of our smartphones, consoles, and PCs. Even professional players socialize, get fit, stay healthy, and discover new hobbies or places.
