A major topic of debate being discussed in the United States is video game violence and its effect on children and young adults. Video games, like all other forms of entertainment are fictional and intended for the enjoyment of the consumer. Though some games depict violence, this is unsurprising given the fact that violence is found in every media outlet Americans view on a daily basis. Movies, television, advertising and news stories all depict violence. Video games do not induce violent behaviors and have no correlation with violent behavior. This idea is over exaggerated by politicians and parents because violence is found everywhere around people every day.
The common misconception with parents is that video games are pointless and ruin kids’ brains but modern scientific studies show that isn’t necessarily the case. Recent studies prove that there are good reasons to actually sit down and enjoy video games and can even prove to be beneficial for the users health. Whether it’s a first person shooter game like, Battlefield, platform games like Terraria or casual games like Minecraft, there are legitimate benefits from playing.
Video games are thought to create antisocial slobs who never see the light of day for weeks at a time but due to the advancements of video gaming technology, they have created a more social atmosphere than ever before. Players are able to play with millions of people from around the world at any time of their choosing. These online interactions are not intended to substitute face to face interaction, however, online parties are great ways for people to come together and play some of their favorite games. It’s even possible to make new friends online you would have never met otherwise. Not only do they create a great social platform, they also enhance the user’s mental capabilities as well (Loria).
Solving complex problems are vital in video games. They challenge the player to develop plans and skills to defeat enemies as well as solving puzzles. With games challenging the user to solve problems, it requires the player to use their critical thinking skills. This is good because it gets individuals in the habit of using their brains in that manner on a regular basis. They improve timing and reaction time, making people think faster as well (Toppo). Success in gaming revolves around mental talent, something that is exercised every time someone plays.