An Article on the Harm of Video Games

[TheTerrorofDeath]

So yeah I was given this article explaining what's been going on and im just going to show you all to see what you think:

Why Video Gamer get a Bad Rep:

It's easy to find fault with video games. Many of the games are violent and reinforce gender sterotypes. The games can also be addictive. Since children no longer have to pay quater for each new game, there is nothing- except possibly a disapproving parent- to prevent them from playing for hours on end.
While the games do allow two players to compete against one another, playing these games is, for the most part, a solitary activity. As a result, children spend time sitting in front of the television rather than interacting with their peers or engaging in physical activities that can develop muscles. While video games can improve hand to eye coordination, so can a game of softball or shooting baskets.
There is now evidence that video games may trigger seizures in children who have epilepsy, a disorder of the nervous system. In the past few years, at least 120 Japanese children have been taken to the hospital after fainting or suffering convulsions while playing video games. A handful of similar cases have been reported in the United States and Great Britain. The seizures are caused by flashing lights which occur in particular patterns or at certain photo frequencies. Frequent and long-term use of video games can also cause wrist-strain injuries.

It's just a Game:

Although the dangers associated with video games have led some groups to call for banning them, others downplay the dangers. Video game proponents believe that as long as parents know about the possible dangers, they can take appropriate precautions. One video game manufacturer is now labeling his games to let parents know how much violence they contain. Many video games now include warnings that caution the parents of epileptics. Supporters of video games say that while children should not be allowed to play video games all day, every day, there does not seem to be any harm in the sensible use of the technology.


Hah so I thought I would share that with you.

[Dawning Twilight]

ah yes The Fellowship of Jack Thompson.....JK

[~X~]

but i liek video games :(


i think they make u smarter

[Prince_of_Light]

A game is only harmful if you aren't in control of how much you play and how you react to the videogame.

[TheTerrorofDeath]

Yeah I completely agree. Well it seems to influence some parents because mine agree with the article. I don't think they cause any harm unless you just wont get off them and im sure we all here have control of them.

[Prince_of_Light]

It's true that violent games stimulate violent behavior, personally, I can't stand playing the gruesome bloody games just because they eminate violent acts, something I detest. But, I think we're all mentally sane enough not to react violently because of what we expose ourselves to.

[unknown_light45]

pffffff im not gunna lower my video gaming hr. i have cat like reflexes. just last week i finaly got my brown belt in karate.

THANK GOD FOR VIDEO GAMES!

[Rich]

Here's my opinion:

Video games are great. They are a fun passtime, and can give you a way to relieve stress. The only problem is too many, and too much. If you sit around playing video games all day, every day, that's not good (unless you have nothing better to do). Basically, you should put work, school, family, friends, physical activity, ect, first in your life. Video games should get the short end of the stick. I only play them on weekends, myself.

As for video games themselves being harmful, it all depends on what game it is. I don't like violent video games. That's just not for me. I play some FPS, yes, but if it gets too graphic/much, then I have to draw a line. And as for zombies, blood, guts, ect, I draw a line there too. You have to use common sense and your moral compass when it comes to things like that, and you have to be careful and watch the effects it has on you.

As for the social problems, there's a particular kind of game that can fix that: MMORPG. =D You can socially interact, and play a video game at the exact same time. Yes, that does have its flaws, and it's not as good as interaction irl, but it's a step in the right direction.

Hm, I have something else to add: sometimes video games can be a good way to educate. Making a game based off, say, World War 2? I know there is one, forgot what it's called, and I must research it. But if the game is factually correct, then it can teach kids. Those who pay attention to the story line will learn the history of WW2, and play a fun game at the same time.

[TheTerrorofDeath]

Personally I think RPG's are the best type of games to play. They can really help teach you some things. I know ive learned some things from several RPGs that I recognized that we would learn in class. It helped

[Lord_Canti]

Plenty of video games can educate you. Taking puzzle games for example. Doing puzzles improves the mind doesn't it?

Well there yah go. That's my one and a half cents.

[Dawning Twilight]

video games can inflict harm both mentally and eventually physically but it's not neccesarily true for all people. so yes video games can be harmful but that doesn't call for all the emphasis protesting wise on them.

[Evrae_Valkyrion]

hold it.Video Games.

1.they can be harmful, but the percentage of that to happen is just 25% if we play the one rated as near as our age.Like, games will be harmful if, for example, a 5 years old kid plays a game rated T! now that's harmful.Though they can play G. and if we're older, that'll do fine.We've understand the risks of playing it.
2. Social probs.
MMORPG.That's right.Or for more suggestion, at least every weekend, go out, don't touch anything related to video games, just have fun with friends.
3.Multiple Intelligence
That's it.Some games like RPGs or those arcade games in timezone could help us raise our Multiple Intelligence.For example, those hardass puzzles in that game Shadow Hearts. But just agree with number one. Watch the rating and your age.
4.Sport
Games can be a new sport type. Finger sports.When you play Tekken, example, you really use your fingers. And that could train your fingers, right?
5.Watch out for porn games.
the most important.At least everyone knows that some games do have some p0rn graphs.and usually, we know about it from some articles before the game's launched.If you think you can hold your emo, hopefully you won't do anything like in the game.
6.Fighting
Fighting are usually not-recommended by parents.Why?Because some high-school students fight using some Tekken types moves. If you don't want to hurt anyone or yourself, play this game AS LEAST AS POSSIBLE.really.Some games can manipulize your brain and you'll start thinking it's fun and soon....*BAM*
7.Time, and your study
Never forget about these two.If you dare to risk it for games, don't blame your parents for not allowing you to play.

[Square Ninja]

I think the more interesting issue(s) lies within the industry itself. I have no problem with violent or graphic games, but I can see a problem with having nearly every video game being violent in nature. Often, the goal of a video game is to defeat your opponent through some act of violence. Katamari Damacy proved that you don't need that violence in order to make a fun game that sells. Why is the industry so limited to violent competitions?

[Phantom000]

Originally Posted by Arcana_dragon

hold it.Video Games.

1.they can be harmful, but the percentage of that to happen is just 25% if we play the one rated as near as our age.Like, games will be harmful if, for example, a 5 years old kid plays a game rated T! now that's harmful.Though they can play G. and if we're older, that'll do fine.We've understand the risks of playing it.

6.Fighting
Fighting are usually not-recommended by parents.Why?Because some high-school students fight using some Tekken types moves. If you don't want to hurt anyone or yourself, play this game AS LEAST AS POSSIBLE.really.Some games can manipulize your brain and you'll start thinking it's fun and soon....*BAM*
.

Firstly, where are you getting your statistics and percentages?

Secondly, manipulize isn't a word. It's manipulate.

I don't want to seem like an @$$hole, but in the interest of keeping the discussion intelligent and valid, if you're going to quote statistics, you have to get them from a credible source, not make them up.

and Square Ninja: The reason the industry is so limited to violent games is because violence sells. It's capitalism.