Angela Xiao (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Video games have been present in our lives since their appearance in 1958, and continue to evolve in the modern day. With new technological advancements, video games have come a long way, from having simple designs to becoming complex yet compelling sources of entertainment. However, rather than being a source of relaxation, we start to see the negative impact video games have on the younger generation. Addiction, exposure to negative media, and health concerns are some of the many reasons that lead me to believe that video games are indeed becoming a detriment to children.
Some people say that video games can be a fun and educational way for children to learn, and though I don’t necessarily disagree, I must argue many of the video games that are played by children today expose them to violence. According to the American Psychological Association, it is said that over 85% of video games on the market contain some sort of violence. This exposure can lead to aggressive behavior and decreased empathy, which can further affect the upbringing of these kids. Video games can also cause addictions at an early age, with researchers considering the behaviours of a video game addiction to be similar to one of a gambling disorder due to their nature of wanting to win. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition, and dependance on these games can ruin one’s life.
Additionally, video games have caused health damage, with results of depression, aggression, lack of sleep, social anxiety, and eye strain. Video games can take a huge toll on the physical and mental state of children, and they eventually affect the development of the brain and body. This constant use of devices can also result in lack of socialization and cutting off communication from the real world. New video games constantly appear, and with the lack of restrictions and limitations, one can only worry about what is in store for our future generations.
