Video Games – Harmful or Beneficial? In today 's society there is a lot of controversy over whether violent video games affect minors in a negative way. Some people may believe that they do negatively affect minors but in my opinion I believe that video games have multiple benefits. Video games are not harmful to it 's users because they teach communication / teamwork, they improve decision making skills and they also help increase your reaction time. Most parents will tell you that they believe violent video games are bad for their children. According to videogames.procon.org, "90% of pediatricians and 67% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that violent video games can increase aggressive behavior among children". Essentially, most parents
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In an article written by Maia Szalavitz, she wrote, “The real question [is] whether video games have a uniquely negative effect on those individuals compared to the many other activities and scenarios that they would routinely encounter in their daily lives,” Tear says. “I suspect that video games would be one of many possible things that could affect those particularly vulnerable people but we would need good evidence to conclude that video games are any more harmful than other activities, such as playing basketball or chess”. Simply put, there is no physical evidence actually proving that video games are more harmful to its users than everyday activities such as basketball or …show more content…
Kristin Bezio states, "It’s a phenomenon known as “cultural lag,” and it’s what causes us to be hesitant in adopting new technologies, trying new fads, and changing our social mores. Cultural lag can be a good thing – some new things are dangerous, come with high levels of risk, and can infinitely do more harm than good. But cultural lag also can inhibit the development of technologies and society because of irrational fears, which is what I’m seeing with recent criticism of the gaming industry." Bezio also stated that, "Before video games, society blamed rock ‘n’ roll for violence and bad behavior among young people. Before rock ‘n’ roll, we blamed television. Before television, movies. Before movies, mystery novels, which were once known as “penny dreadfuls.” Before mystery novels, Shakespeare, who repeatedly was accused of producing violent, lecherous, and otherwise improper behavior in his audience." We always search for something to put the blame on when bad things happen and this time it just so happens to be the violent video
In an article written by Maia Szalavitz, she wrote, “The real question [is] whether video games have a uniquely negative effect on those individuals compared to the many other activities and scenarios that they would routinely encounter in their daily lives,” Tear says. “I suspect that video games would be one of many possible things that could affect those particularly vulnerable people but we would need good evidence to conclude that video games are any more harmful than other activities, such as playing basketball or chess”. Simply put, there is no physical evidence actually proving that video games are more harmful to its users than everyday activities such as basketball or …show more content…
Kristin Bezio states, "It’s a phenomenon known as “cultural lag,” and it’s what causes us to be hesitant in adopting new technologies, trying new fads, and changing our social mores. Cultural lag can be a good thing – some new things are dangerous, come with high levels of risk, and can infinitely do more harm than good. But cultural lag also can inhibit the development of technologies and society because of irrational fears, which is what I’m seeing with recent criticism of the gaming industry." Bezio also stated that, "Before video games, society blamed rock ‘n’ roll for violence and bad behavior among young people. Before rock ‘n’ roll, we blamed television. Before television, movies. Before movies, mystery novels, which were once known as “penny dreadfuls.” Before mystery novels, Shakespeare, who repeatedly was accused of producing violent, lecherous, and otherwise improper behavior in his audience." We always search for something to put the blame on when bad things happen and this time it just so happens to be the violent video