The Difference Ten Years Can Make.

When I was younger I lived in a time where playing outside and playing with toys appealed to us more then play station or computer games. When the sun would set over the hills and we would yawn through the back doors dirt staining our clothes and sweat dripping down our faces, instead of emerging from darkened rooms pupils dilated not knowing if the sun had even risen at all.

Technology has grown so much faster then the people that use it, and everyday I am confronted by the differences between my own childhood and those growing up today in this world where the idea of 'fun' is fueled by computer and video games. And I wonder if by being exposed to such media on a daily basis benefits us, or if it negatively impacts our over all well-being?

The Dark Side

The most common argument made when discussing the effects of video games is the effect they have on the players behavior, and if in fact their behaviour is some what altered. Many argue that video games containing any level of violence, trigger in the player a pattern of aggressive behaviour. There has been scientific research done to answer this continuously reoccurring question. Research has shown that from the people they tested, many that played 2 to 7 hours a day had specified to the researchers that "they got angry easily, couldn't concentrate, and had trouble associating with friends". There have been countless numbers of research done on this issue that have come to the same conclusion, that video games do in fact trigger aggressive behaviour, not in all players but in most.

When we are talking about those players that show about as much aggression as having a sissy fit and throwing their console through the floor, or simply rage quitting and having a good cry, it is easy for us to turn the other cheek on this rising issue of video games causing aggressive behaviour. But what is to be done when the game crosses through the screen and into reality? Because believe it or not these researches have been proven correct on a drastically disturbing level. A 14 year old boy murdered by his peer, due to imitating a video game. A 7 year old girl beaten to death once again at the hands of an imitated video game. 18 year old girl killed, another video game being at fault.

This argument of whether video games really are at fault for these acts of terror has been intensely debated for quiet some time. Whether these kids that committed these corrupt crimes actually were effected by these games or if they were just being used as an excuse for influence is an issue beyond research, as only the kids themselves will truly know the answer. These kids were all at an age where they knew the difference between right and wrong, where reasoning and compassion should have been fully formed in their conscious, and yet the blood is clearly smeared.

There is a chance that these games are not at fault, and I for one would not like to believe that events so brutal can be given an excuse so basic.It leaves me wondering though, if there can be such escalation in the negative impact of video games, can the same thing also occur in the opposite direction?

The Bright Side

As there is a villein in every video game so there is also a hero, the same applies to that of the effects of video games. If the effects can reach such a high level in a negative direction can there also be the same spike in the positive?

There is some credit to be given to video games as the activity has also been seen to also benefit the player. There has been a study made that has shown that children that play video games where good moral values such as sharing with peers is promoted, was mirrored in the children's behaviour. Another study showed that though video games may be the cause of aggression, that like physical sport it can also be a good way for people to release aggression. There have even been studies that have shown that video games help to channel concentration, a test was made on surgeons, those that played video games were seen to make less mistakes in their work.

Video games have also helped those living in today's fast moving high tech world to engage with their peers, as video games are said to be best played with others. This helping them to develop socially with the added benefit of team working skills.

Video games are even being used in the learning environment as they are highly recognized amongst children as being fun, they jump at the chance to play games in school, in doing this the have no-idea that they are actually learning at the same time.

So it is true, there is a silver lining to every cloud. Video games have proven them selves to be not only an opposing factor in the development of the mind but also a benefiting one.

Conclusion

I cherish my child hood of dirt and the sweet scent of fresh grass, but living in today's world, where video games are becoming more popular every year, I have found that is is time to give the memories that this generation is creating a chance.

Video games can have a huge impact in the mind of a child and the behaviour of person, being surrounded by something so regularly can only influence someone. This is why I think that it is crucial parents and caregivers tread very carefully in what their child consuming and the amount they are consuming. These are the minds of the future and though some video games can be beneficial others can destroy.

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