Are Video Games Good or Bad for You?
First, let’s ask Google, which says that video games can be both good and bad for you, depending on how you use them.
Positive Effects:
- Cognitive development: Some studies show that video games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and memory.
- Social connection: Video games can help people connect with others, both online and in person.
- Health-related outcomes: Some studies suggest that video games may have positive health benefits.
Negative Effects:
- Sleep problems: Excessive video game use can contribute to poor sleep.
- Mental health: Excessive video game use can be linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- Physical health: Excessive video game use can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Academic performance: Excessive video game use can negatively impact academic performance.
- Social isolation: Excessive video game use can lead to social isolation and anti-social behavior.
- Aggressive behavior: Exposure to violent video games can contribute to aggressive behaviors.
Now, I looked at a hospital website. Research into how video games affect the brain is a bit of a mixed bag. For starters, the benefits you receive depend on what kind of video game is being played. A 2020 overview of commercial video games dicussion suggests different types of video games improve different cognitive functions.
Now, let’s ask a few students what they think about this question.
- Jackson Schneider: “They can be good or bad because sometimes you just need to get your mind off other things, but in other situations, they are bad.”
- Tanner Getz: “Good because I said so.”
- Malachi Sitler: “Bad.”
- Jeff Brown: “Good because they can help with social skills and physical activity.”
- Griffin Topping: “Certain games at certain times can be good for you.”
- Hunter Wurmnest: “They are good depending on what you play. Some can teach you important life lessons. For example, Minecraft teaches you creativity
- Isaac Scott: Good, they help me be more aware.
- Flynn Carr: I side with good because there are some games that use your brain such as puzzle games. They help with problem solving skills
So, it looks like, overall, most students think video games are either good or are in between.
